Investigation of the effects of vortioxetine on cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats

In this thesis study, the potential efficacy of vortioxetine, an antidepressant with a multimodal mechanism of action, on diabetes-induced learning and memory impairments was investigated. The experimental diabetes model was induced in rats by using a single dose (50 mg/kg, i.v.) of streptozotocin (STZ). After allowing 4 weeks for cognitive impairments to develop, diabetic rats were treated with vortioxetine (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. The learning and memory functions of the rats were evaluated with novel object recognition, passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests; motor performances were evaluated using an activity meter. Hippocampal cytokine levels of the rats in the experimental groups were measured by ELISA method. The findings revealed that diabetes impaired both motor activity and recognition, emotional and spatial memory of rats. Vortioxetine, on the other hand, improved the cognitive performance of diabetic rats at both doses without significantly affecting motor activity. Vortioxetine also significantly reduced the diabetes-induced increases in hippocampal IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β levels of rats. These findings suggest that vortioxetine ameliorates the cognitive dysfunctions seen in diabetic animals at least partially by regulating the inflammatory response. When the results of this study are evaluated together with previous studies on the efficacy potential of vortioxetine in the treatment of various diabetic complications, it is concluded that this drug may represent a promising alternative for the diabetic population. However, this conclusion requires confirmation through comprehensive clinical trials.