World Mental Health Day, occurring on the 10th of October, recalls to us the importance of researches linking inflammation and mental health disorders, in particular major depressive disorder (MDD).
Emerging studies suggest that inflammatory pathways, including the involvement of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein, play a significant role in the pathogenesis of depression.
Researches have shown that HMGB1, typically involved in regulating inflammation and the immune response, has a complex role in mental health. A study observed that HMGB1 levels were significantly lower in patients with MDD, contrasting with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, which are known to exacerbate depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that HMGB1 could be an essential modulator of the inflammatory processes that contribute to depression, influencing neuroinflammation and potentially neurodegeneration.
Furthermore, microglial cells in the central nervous system release HMGB1 during neuroinflammatory responses, which may trigger or worsen depressive symptoms. This points to the critical interaction between HMGB1 and the immune system in the brain, particularly in inducing neuroinflammation, which is increasingly being recognized as a factor in the development of depression.
Targeting HMGB1 and related inflammatory processes offers a potential therapeutic strategy for managing depression, especially in cases where inflammation is a prominent feature. As we deepen our understanding of the biological mechanisms behind mental health disorders, it becomes clear that interventions aimed at reducing inflammation could play a key role in future treatments.
We can provide comprehensive information to facilitate informed decision-making for researches with HMGB1.
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Read the full articles about the studies:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1110775
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37288063/
