Proposed Pathway Linking Respiratory Infections with Depression
Zeinab Karimi1, Maryam Chenari1, Farhad Rezaie1
1Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
Summary
Viral respiratory infections trigger inflammation, increasing indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity. This enzyme depletes tryptophan, a key factor potentially contributing to depression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Depression is a leading global cause of disability.
- Viral respiratory infections cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
- Inflammation plays a role in various diseases, including depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between inflammation from viral respiratory infections and the development of depression.
- To elucidate the role of indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in this pathway.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on viral infections, inflammation, and depression.
- Analysis of the molecular mechanisms involving immune pathogen recognition receptors and interferon signaling.
- Examination of the kynurenine pathway and tryptophan metabolism.
Main Results:
- Viral detection activates intracellular signaling, leading to interferon production and inflammation.
- Interferon-stimulated genes, notably indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), are upregulated.
- IDO promotes tryptophan breakdown via the kynurenine pathway, decreasing tryptophan and increasing kynurenine.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation induced by viral respiratory infections may contribute to depression through tryptophan depletion.
- The IDO enzyme and the kynurenine pathway are critical mediators in this process.
- Further research is warranted to confirm this link and explore therapeutic interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
630
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
630
01:26Respiration Pathways
238
Cellular respiration is a fundamental metabolic process that enables organisms to generate energy from organic molecules. One of its central pathways is the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which plays a crucial role in energy production and biosynthetic processes.Conversion of Pyruvate to Acetyl-CoAThe pyruvate generated from glycolysis undergoes oxidative decarboxylation by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, producing acetyl-CoA, one molecule of NADH, and one...
238
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
176
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
176
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
963
Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
963
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
744
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
744
01:18Depression: Overview
390
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
390