N-acetyl cysteine through modulation of HDAC2 and GCN5 in the hippocampus mitigates behavioral disorders in the first and second generations of socially isolated mice

Abstract

Objective(s)

Social isolation stress (SIS) in early life can lead to behavioral disorders. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, may aid treatment. This study explored NAC's impact on behavior in first and second-generation mice after SIS, focusing on HDAC2 and GCN5 expression in the hippocampus.

Materials and methods

In this study, 24 male and 24 female mice were bred for one generation. The pups were divided into six (3male, 3female) groups (n = 20): 1- Control receiving normal saline, 2- SIS with normal saline, 3- SIS with NAC (150 mg/kg) IP for four weeks. Eight mice from each group underwent behavioral, histopathological, and molecular tests, while others were mated (4 males + 4 females) to produce second generations. These pups were divided into 9 groups (n = 8) for behavioral tests, including elevated plus maze, open field, forced swimming, and histopathological and molecular assessments (HDAC2 and GCN5 expression) in the hippocampus.

Results

The SIS group showed increased HDAC2 and GCN5 expression. Following SIS, there was a decrease in open arm entries and passes in the open field test, alongside increased immobility in the forced swimming test and reduced CA1 and CA3 hippocampal diameters. NAC mitigated the adverse molecular, behavioral, and histopathological impacts of SIS across both generations.

Conclusion

NAC reduces behavioral disorders after SIS (first and second generation) by reducing the expression of GCN5 and HDAC2 and increasing neuronal diameter in the hippocampus. Future research should investigate the long-term therapeutic effects of NAC for behavioral disorders after SIS.