Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics to elucidate the mechanism by which taurine protects against DOX-induced depression.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug with potent antitumour activity. However, the application of DOX is limited by its adverse reactions, such as depression. Taurine can alleviate depression induced by multiple factors. However, it is still unclear whether and how taurine improves DOX-induced depression. To address this question, the aim of this study was to explore the potential mechanism by which taurine protects against DOX-induced depression. Mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8): (1) the control group, (2) the DOX group, and (3) the DOX + taurine group. The open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze test, and forced swim test (FST) were first performed to assess the effects of DOX and taurine on the behaviour of mice. Next, a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis was performed to analyse the possible antidepressive effect of taurine. Taurine pretreatment increased the total distance travelled and speed of mice in the OFT, increased the number of entries into the open arm and the time spent in the open arm, and reduced the immobility time in the FST. In addition, 179 differential genes and 51 differentially abundant metabolites were detected in the DOX + taurine group compared to the DOX group. Furthermore, differential genes and differentially abundant metabolites were found to be jointly involved in 21 pathways, which may be closely related to the antidepressant effect of taurine. Taurine alleviated DOX-induced depressive behaviour. The various pathways identified in this study, such as the serotonergic synapse and the inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, may be key regulatory pathways related to depression and antidepressant effects.