Title:Neuroinflammation and Immunity: A New Pharmacological Target in Depression
Volume: 15
Issue: 4
Author(s): Rosalia Crupi and Salvatore Cuzzocrea
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Immunity, major depressive disorder, neuroinflammation.
Abstract: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating illness that affects a significant
percentage of the world population. This disorder is associated with diminshed productivity and
reduced quality of life; unfortunately the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully
clarified. Recently, several studies have suggested that psychiatric disorders could be considered as
inflammatory disorders; nevertheless.. Inflammation is therefore an important biological event that
might increase the risk of major depressive episodes, much like the more traditional psychosocial factorsThere is strong
evidence that depression involves alterations in multiple aspects of immunity that may contribute to the development or
exacerbation of a number of medical disorders and also may play a role in the pathophysiology of depressive symptoms.
This review highlights the role of neuroinflammation and immunity in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such
as MDD.
