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Inflammation and psychomotor retardation in depression: The moderating role of glymphatic system

Qunjun Liang1, Bo Peng2, Shengli Chen3

  • 1Department of Medical Imaging, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, People's Republic of China.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|March 22, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Impaired brain waste clearance (glymphatic system) worsens inflammation-linked psychomotor retardation in major depressive disorder. Improving glymphatic system function may offer a therapeutic strategy for MDD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Psychomotor retardation (PMR) is a key symptom in major depressive disorder (MDD).
  • The link between inflammation and PMR is debated.
  • The glymphatic system (GS) interacts with the brain's immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if glymphatic system function moderates the relationship between inflammation and PMR in MDD patients.
  • To explore the role of GS in inflammation-related changes in the motor circuit.

Main Methods:

  • 67 MDD patients and 67 healthy controls (HCs) underwent MRI.
  • Assessed PMR, inflammation (hsCRP), and GS function using diffusion tensor imaging.
  • Analyzed functional connectivity (FC) and morphology within the motor circuit.

Main Results:

  • GS function was impaired in MDD patients compared to HCs.
  • Inflammation (hsCRP) aggravated PMR severity more in individuals with low GS function.
  • GS function moderated inflammation-related alterations in motor cortex morphology and FC.

Conclusions:

  • A well-functioning GS mitigates inflammation-induced PMR and protects against inflammatory damage.
  • GS function plays a crucial role in MDD psychopathology.
  • Targeting GS function presents a potential therapeutic avenue for MDD.
Keywords:
Glymphatic functionInflammationMajor Depressive DisorderPsychomotor retardation

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