Lutein Exerts Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Role on Schizophrenia-Like Behaviours in Mice.
International journal of developmental neuroscience : the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience February 1, 2025 Helia Aziziha, Shahin Hassanpour, Morteza Zendehdel 2 citations
Lutein, an antioxidant, may protect the brain against schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice. In a study with 24 male mice, ketamine was used to induce schizophrenia-like symptoms. Mice pretreated with lutein for 30 days before and during ketamine exposure showed fewer behavioral deficits: they moved more in open field tests and spent less time immobile in tail suspension and forced swimming tests, indicating reduced depression-like behavior. Lutein also improved object recognition memory. At the brain chemistry level, ketamine increased malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) and decreased antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in cortical and subcortical regions. Lutein pretreatment reversed these changes, raising antioxidant levels and lowering oxidative stress. The findings suggest lutein may help improve behavioral problems linked to schizophrenia.