Myelin Damage in Major Depressive Disorder: Insights from Neuroimaging, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Perspectives - PubMed
6 days ago
- #Neuroinflammation
- #Depression
- #Demyelination
- Depression involves structural and functional abnormalities in white matter, with myelin pathology being a consistent feature.
- Major depressive disorder is linked to reduced white matter integrity in emotion-related brain regions like the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and corpus callosum.
- Histopathological studies show decreased oligodendrocyte density, impaired differentiation of progenitor cells, and downregulation of myelin-associated genes.
- Microglial activation and astrocytic dysfunction worsen demyelination in depression.
- Animal models indicate that demyelination correlates with depression-like behaviors, and interventions (e.g., clemastine, venlafaxine) can partially restore myelin and improve behavior.
- Myelin impairment may actively contribute to depression's onset and progression, not just be a consequence.
- Targeting myelin protection and repair is a promising therapeutic approach for depression.
- Future clinical studies are needed to confirm causal mechanisms and test remyelination-based treatments.