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Convergence of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and glucocorticoid resistance in depression-related

Zachary Hage1,2,3, Miguel M Madeira1,2,3, Dimitris Koliatsis1

  • 1Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.

BMC Immunology
|September 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is linked to cardiovascular disease, with endothelial cells playing a key role. This review explores how endothelial glucocorticoid resistance may connect MDD, inflammation, and vascular pathology.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with HPA axis dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • The mechanistic link between depression and cardiovascular disease remains unclear, despite extensive study of HPA axis and inflammation.
  • Endothelial cells are critical for vascular homeostasis, pathology, and immune activity, suggesting their role in connecting MDD and cardiovascular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review endothelial dysfunction in depression.
  • To examine inflammation in depression.
  • To discuss general and endothelial glucocorticoid resistance in depression and its link to inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and glucocorticoid resistance in depression.
  • Analysis of potential interactions between vascular pathology, inflammation, and glucocorticoid signaling in endothelial cells.
  • Hypothesizing mechanisms of endothelial glucocorticoid resistance in depression-associated vascular disease.

Main Results:

  • Depression is linked to dysregulated HPA axis, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Glucocorticoid resistance promotes inflammatory signaling and disease severity.
  • Endothelial cells are implicated in vascular homeostasis and immune activity.

Conclusions:

  • Endothelial glucocorticoid resistance may be a key mechanism connecting depression, inflammation, and cardiovascular pathology.
  • Further research into endothelial-glucocorticoid signaling is warranted to understand its role in depression-related vascular diseases.

Keywords:
Cardiovascular diseaseEndothelial cellsGlucocorticoid resistanceGlucocorticoidsInflammationMajor depressive disorder

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