Scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that the inflammation that occurs when the immune system is activated can cause depression. Research results It was published In the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity (BBI).
It is generally accepted in the scientific community that depression occurs when there is a deficiency of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. However, this theory cannot always explain why many patients do not respond to standard antidepressants. In recent years, scientists have been drawing increasing attention to chronic inflammation in the body as a potential cause of the disorder.
Researchers from Hebrew University analyzed the 100 most cited scientific papers on the link between depression and inflammation. They found that treatments that stimulate the immune system (such as treatments for cancer and hepatitis) can actually trigger symptoms of the disease. Scientists explained that activation of protective immune mechanisms always involves the initiation of inflammation.
Experiments have confirmed that low doses of immunostimulants (and the imbalance in the immune system they cause) can cause depression even in healthy people. This can be prevented with anti-inflammatory medications or conventional antidepressants.
Scientists have also found that stress, one of the main causes of depression, similarly causes inflammation in the brain. Stress activates microglia (brain’s immune system cells); These cells can become depleted and damaged over the long term, worsening depression.
In their review, the scientists highlighted that certain groups of people, such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases, or those who experienced difficult events in childhood, are more prone to inflammation-induced depression. This finding highlights the importance of a personalized approach to treating depression, which may include anti-inflammatory treatments or microglia-stimulating techniques, depending on the individual case.
Previous scientists to create The connection between the gut and the inappropriate response to stress.
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Source: Gazeta
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