Title:Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Depression
VOLUME: 14 ISSUE: 6
Author(s):Yashika Bansal and Anurag Kuhad
Affiliation:Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
Keywords:Depression, Mitochondrial dysfunction, Reactive oxygen species, neurotransmitter, Mitochondria, electron
transport chain.
Abstract:Background: Depression is the most debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder with significant
impact on socio-occupational and well being of individual. The exact pathophysiology of depression
is still enigmatic though various theories have been put forwarded. There are evidences showing that
mitochondrial dysfunction in various brain regions is associated with depression. Recent findings have
sparked renewed appreciation for the role of mitochondria in many intracellular processes coupled to
synaptic plasticity and cellular resilience. New insights in depression pathophysiology are revolving
around the impairment of neuroplasticity. Mitochondria have potential role in ATP production,
intracellular Ca2+ signalling to establish membrane stability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance
and to execute the complex processes of neurotransmission and plasticity. So understanding the
various concepts of mitochondrial dysfunction in pathogenesis of depression indubitably helps to
generate novel and more targeted therapeutic approaches for depression treatment.
Objective: The review was aimed to give a comprehensive insight on role of mitochondrial dysfunction in depression.
Result: Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and enhancing the mitochondrial functions might act as potential target for
the treatment of depression.
Conclusion: Literature cited in this review highly supports the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in depression. As
impairment in the mitochondrial functions lead to the generation of various insults that exaggerate the pathogenesis of
depression. So, it is useful to study mitochondrial dysfunction in relation to mood disorders, synaptic plasticity,
neurogenesis and enhancing the functions of mitochondria might show promiscuous effects in the treatment of depressed
patients.
