Puerarin suppresses the oxidative stress and activates the cyclic AMP (cAMP)/cAMP response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway in alcohol withdrawal-induced depressive disorder via regulating obesity-associated protein–mediated N6-methyladenosine demethylation

Objective Puerarin, a bioactive isoflavone glycoside predominantly extracted from the root of the kudzu plant ( Pueraria lobata ), is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely used for centuries. Alcohol withdrawal-induced depression (AWIDD), a serious psychiatric disorder, is prevalent in society. This study aimed to investigate the role of puerarin in oxidative stress and cyclic AMP (cAMP)/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in AWIDD, as well as the underlying mechanism. Methods An alcohol withdrawal rat model was established. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) were measured using commercial kits. The cAMP level was detected by ELISA. CREB and phospho-CREB protein levels were analyzed by Western blot. BDNF level was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Dot blot was used to assess the total N6-methyladenosine (m 6 A) level. The interaction between obesity-associated protein (FTO) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (PTGS1) was examined through RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results Puerarin decreased oxidative stress and increased the cAMP, p-CREB, and BDNF levels. Besides, puerarin increased FTO-mediated m 6 A demethylation in alcohol withdrawal rats. FTO inhibition increased oxidative stress and decreased the activation of cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Mechanistically, FTO weakened the stability of PTGS1 mRNA via m 6 A demethylation. Overexpression of PTGS1 reversed the reduction in oxidative stress and the activation of the cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway induced by FTO overexpression. Conclusion Puerarin suppressed oxidative stress and activated the cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in AWIDD via regulating FTO-mediated m 6 A demethylation.