Western blotting showed CORT-induced activation of the advanced glycation end product (AGE)-receptor of AGE (RAGE) (AGE-RAGE) signaling and increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in the hippocampus, while p-CA treatment inactivated AGE-RAGE signaling and decreased the levels of IL-1β and TNFα, suggesting that protection against depression and memory impairment by p-CA is mediated by the inhibition of inflammation, mainly via the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is depressive disorder.