Inflammatory biomarkers in depression: scoping review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Immunology

Background:

• Inflammation is a critical factor in the development of major depressive disorder (MDD).
• Inflammatory biomarkers are linked to symptom severity and treatment response in MDD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and depression.
• Identify recent studies and research gaps in this field.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search following PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
• Searched PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Open Grey, and Cochrane Library for studies from January 2020 to May 2024.
• Included observational, randomized controlled trials, and review studies on adult MDD patients and inflammatory biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Analyzed 44 studies on the inflammation-MDD connection.
• Found significant associations between specific inflammatory biomarkers and depression severity, though interpretation requires caution.
• Highlighted methodological limitations in current research, impacting clinical application, but noted potential for biomarkers in diagnostics and anti-inflammatory therapies.

Conclusions:

• Emphasized the need for advanced research to understand inflammation's role in MDD.
• Called for identifying biomarker panels for depression diagnosis.
• Advocated for bridging peripheral and central neuroinflammatory measurements for improved diagnostic and treatment strategies.