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. 2021 Feb 24;11:140. doi: 10.1038/s41398-021-01261-6

Fig. 5. Resistance elevates Nrf2, BDNF expression and inhibits HDAC2, mSin3a, and MeCP2 expression.

Fig. 5

A, B Schematic of social defeat stress model and the schedule of treatment. C Thermal imaging of mice trajectories. D The social interaction test for no target and target time (mean ± SEM, n = 4–6 per group, one-way ANOVA, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01). E The ration for target and no target time (mean ± SEM, n = 4–6 per group, one-way ANOVA, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01). E, F The western blot analysis for mPFC and hippocampus. The western blot was performed for Nrf2, BDNF, HDAC2, mSin3A, and MeCP2 in mPFC and hippocampus (mean ± SEM, n = 4 per group, one-way ANOVA, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01). G The working model of Nrf2-induced BDNF transcription in the model of depression. Stress inhibits Nrf2 expression, which leads to inhibit BDNF transcriptional and abnormal synaptic transmission, causing depression-like behaviors in mice. SFN induces BDNF transcription by activating Nrf2 and could correct the abnormal synaptic transmission, resulting in antidepressant-like effects.