Geniposide attenuates obesity-related depression: involvement of decreased neuroinflammation and synaptic engulfment

Background Recent evidence suggests that neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction play crucial roles in linking obesity to the development of depression. Long-term consumption of a high-fat (HF) diet not only leads to metabolic disruptions in the body but also disturbs brain homeostasis, particularly affecting the amygdala, a key region involved in regulating depression. Methods This study explored the therapeutic potential of geniposide, a bioactive iridoid glycoside known for its antiinflammatory properties, in mitigating HF diet-induced depressive behaviors and amygdala pathology. Results Geniposide supplementation significantly improved HF diet-induced depression, as assessed through various behavioral tests including the open field test, forced swimming test, elevated plus maze test, and tail suspension test. Geniposide demonstrated notable synaptic protective effects, evidenced by an increase in the length of the active zone and postsynaptic density thickness, as well as a decrease in the synaptic cleft in the amygdala of HF diet-fed mice. Additionally, geniposide suppressed microglial activation, downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6], and reduced C3/C1q expression. Furthermore, geniposide administration markedly decreased the colocalization of C1q, a microglia-derived complement component, with postsynaptic density protein 95-positive puncta in the amygdala. Conclusion In summary, this study demonstrates that geniposide alleviates HF diet-induced depressive behaviors, which is associated with improved synaptic health and reduced neuroinflammation in the amygdala. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the potential repurposing of geniposide in the management of obesity-related affective disorders.