Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
08:15
Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
Published on: June 6, 2025
414
Antidepressants Promote and Prevent Cancers.
Francis Lavergne1, Therese M Jay1,2
1Physiopathologie des maladies Psychiatriques, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, UMR_S 1266 INSERM, Paris, France.
Cancer Investigation
|September 1, 2020
Summary
Antidepressants (ADs) boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain and blood. This review hypothesizes that platelet-released BDNF influences neurogenesis and cancer growth, potentially worsening disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Antidepressants (ADs) are known to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral circulation.
- BDNF plays a crucial role in neurogenesis, mood regulation, and cellular processes relevant to cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of antidepressants (ADs) in modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
- To hypothesize the contribution of platelet-derived BDNF to the effects of ADs on neurogenesis and cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on antidepressants, BDNF, neurogenesis, and cancer.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms linking ADs, BDNF, platelets, and disease outcomes.
Main Results:
- ADs increase BDNF synthesis in the CNS, potentially impacting platelet production.
- ADs stimulate BDNF release from platelets into the bloodstream.
- Emerging oncological data suggest ADs may exacerbate cancer by promoting platelet activation and BDNF release.
Conclusions:
- Platelet-derived BDNF is a potential mediator of antidepressant effects on neurogenesis.
- The release of BDNF from platelets may represent a mechanism by which antidepressants influence cancer progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
1.2K
Antidepressant drugs are a class of medications primarily used for treating various mood disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions. These medicines work by modulating the neurotransmitter balance within the brain, alleviating depressive symptoms. Antidepressants can be broadly categorized into several groups according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine...
1.2K
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
1.1K
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
1.1K
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
659
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
659
02:59Cancer Prevention
7.5K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
7.5K
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
337
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
337
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
490
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
490