Treating depression and depression-like behavior with physical activity: an immune perspective

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) presents a significant global health challenge.
• Understanding the etiology and developing novel treatments for MDD are critical.
• Biological factors and neurobiological effects of physical activity (PA) may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the neuroimmunomodulatory effects of PA on the brain in depression and depression-like behaviors.
• To synthesize current evidence on how PA influences the neuroimmune system in the context of depression.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating PA and neuroinflammation in depression.
• Analysis of research examining specific neuroimmune factors affected by PA.

Main Results:

• PA enhances beneficial neuroimmune factors, including interleukin-10 (IL-10), M2 microglia, and insulin-like growth factor-1.
• PA reduces detrimental neuroimmune factors such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, M1 microglia, and C-reactive protein.
• The impact of PA on certain factors like T regulatory cells and tumor necrosis factor-alpha remains under investigation.

Conclusions:

• PA exerts beneficial neuroimmunomodulatory effects, impacting both central and peripheral systems.
• These findings suggest PA holds significant therapeutic potential for managing depression.
• Further research into the neuroimmune mechanisms of PA is warranted for advancing depression treatment.