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Ghrelin/GHSR System in Depressive Disorder: Pathologic Roles and Therapeutic Implications
Xingli Pan1, Yuxin Gao2, Kaifu Guan2
1School of Biological Sciences, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China.
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
|July 26, 2024
Summary
The ghrelin/GHSR system shows potential in treating depression by influencing neuritogenesis and inflammation. This hormone
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent mental illness with unclear pathological mechanisms.
- The ghrelin/GHSR system is increasingly implicated in depression's pathophysiology.
- Ghrelin exhibits a dual role, potentially modulating both depressive behavior and anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of the ghrelin/GHSR system in depression.
- To explore ghrelin's influence on neuritogenesis, astrocyte protection, inflammation, and endocrine function.
- To highlight ghrelin/GHSR signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets for depression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the ghrelin/GHSR system and depression.
- Analysis of ghrelin's involvement in neural networks and signaling pathways.
- Examination of ghrelin's effects on cellular and molecular mechanisms relevant to depression.
Main Results:
- Ghrelin influences neuritogenesis, astrocyte protection, inflammatory cytokine production, and endocrine regulation in depression.
- Ghrelin/GHSR activation modulates key signaling pathways (cAMP/CREB/BDNF, PI3K/Akt, Jak2/STAT3, p38-MAPK).
- These pathways contribute to the observed antidepressant effects of the ghrelin/GHSR system.
Conclusions:
- The ghrelin/GHSR system plays a significant role in the neurobiological underpinnings of depression.
- Activating ghrelin/GHSR signaling pathways demonstrates antidepressant potential.
- The ghrelin/GHSR system represents a promising therapeutic target for novel depression treatments.
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