D-Ribose-L-Cysteine Mitigates Bisphenol A-Induced Anxiety and Depressive-Like Behaviour in Experimental Mice

Abstract

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical with endocrine-disrupting properties, posing significant risks to human health, particularly through its neurotoxic and oxidative stress–inducing effects. Antioxidant-based interventions, such as D-ribose L-cysteine, offer potential in mitigating BPA-induced neurotoxicity by enhancing glutathione-mediated cellular defense mechanisms. Aim: This study investigated whether DRLC (D-Ribose-L-Cysteine) alleviates BPA (Bisphenol A)-induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviours in mice. Study Design: A 14-day experimental study was conducted under standard conditions at the Pharmacology Laboratory, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. Methodology: Adult male mice were divided into four groups: control (which received the vehicle 10 ml/kg distilled water), BPA-only (10 mg/kg), BPA (10 mg/kg) with DRLC at 50 mg/kg and BPA (10 mg/kg) with DRLC 100 mg/kg. BPA was administered alternately for 14 days to induce neurobehavioural changes, while DRLC was given orally for 14 days. Behavioural tests included the Light/Dark Box, Elevated Plus Maze, Hole Board Test, Tail Suspension Test, Social Interaction Tests, and Forced Swim. Brain biomarkers for inflammation [Myeloperoxidase (MPO)], oxidative/nitrergic stress [Malonaldehyde (MDA)/Nitric Oxide (NO)], anti-oxidative stress (Super oxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced Glutathione (GSH), and HPA (Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal) -axis function were assessed. Results: BPA exposure led to significant anxiety- and depression-like behaviours and disrupted redox balance, shown by elevated NO, MDA, MPO, and ACTH, and reduced SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH. DRLC treatment reversed these effects, restoring antioxidant levels and Behavioural function. Conclusion: DRLC effectively counters BPA-induced neurobehavioural disturbances in mice by restoring redox homeostasis, highlighting its neuroprotective potential.