🧫 Experiment Protocol
ValidationDEHP-induced neurotoxicitymiceproposed
This comprehensive animal study investigated the neuroprotective effects of lycopene (Lyc) against di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced neurotoxicity in mice over 35 consecutive days. The experiment utilized a multi-faceted approach combining behavioral assessments, molecular biology analyses, transcriptomics, and microbiome profiling to understand the gut-brain axis mechanisms. Mice received daily intragastric administrations of either DEHP (to induce neurotoxicity) or Lyc (as treatment). The study evaluated anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier integrity, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Key findings showed that Lyc administration effectively ameliorated DEHP-induced behavioral deficits, reduced hippocampal neuroinflammation through modulation of NOD-like receptor signaling, improved gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria like Akkermansiaceae, enhanced intestinal barrier function via increased tight junction proteins, and regulated LPS-TLR4/MyD88 signaling in the colon to reduce local inflammation.
PRIMARY OUTCOME
anxiety- and depression-like behaviors
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Lycopene would protect against DEHP-induced neurotoxicity through gut-brain axis modulation
SUCCESS CRITERIA
Amelioration of DEHP-induced behavioral deficits and neuroinflammation
PROTOCOL
Daily intragastric administration of DEHP or Lyc for 35 consecutive days, followed by behavioral testing, transcriptome analysis, microbiome profiling, and molecular biology assessments