More and more scientists are suggesting that brain inflammation may be responsible for some major depressive episodes in humans. A new study by scientists at the University of Manchester even linked brain inflammation with suicidal thoughts.
A major scientific study published in 2015 established a strong link between a person experiencing major depressive episodes and increased neuroinflammation. The latter is measured by increasing microglial activity in parts of the brain. Microglia are a specific type of immune cell active in the brain and spinal cord. They serve as the main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system.
Thanks to this study, Dr. Peter Talbot of the University of Manchester decided to find out if this increased migroglial activity is associated with thoughts of suicide.
The study involved 14 patients with varying degrees of depression (from moderate to severe), all of them had suicidal thoughts. Also, 13 healthy people participated in the study. The specialists used the method of positron emission tomography, which detects markers that signal microglial activity. The results showed a positive correlation between patients with suicidal ideation and increased neuroinflammation.
The greatest increase in microglial activity was found in the anterior cingulate cortex. She is involved in the performance of cognitive functions such as expectation of rewards, decision-making, impulsivity and emotion management.
By the way, some experts believe that it is in this area that depression "originates". It is noteworthy that no increase in microglial activity in this area was observed in healthy people.
Earlier brain studies in deceased suicidal patients showed similar forms of inflammation in the same areas. And the latest survey only strengthens the relationship between these two parameters, especially in patients with acute depressive episodes.
Dr John Krystal, editor of the journal Biological Psychiatry where the study was published, points out that the new work is a very important observation linking suicidal thoughts and neuroinflammation.
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The research results are published in the scientific journal Biological Psychiatry.
Evgeniya Efimova
