Immunometabolism in the Pathogenesis of Depressive Disorders - Therapeutic Considerations

摘要

There exists a critical link between immunological processes and metabolic changes. Furthermore,it becomes more and more evident that changes in immunometabolic pathways are highly interconnectedwith psychological processes and the nervous system. Depressive disorders are a majorcontributor to the overall burden of disease worldwide. Despite extensive research, therapeutic interventionsare often not satisfying. This may be due to the yet only partially elucidated pathobiochemistryunderlying the development of depression which may be influenced by multiple factors including genetics,environment, lifestyle, and importantly by the immunological status. In this review article, the rolesand consequences of the interferon gamma-dependent pathways of tryptophan breakdown and neopterinformation are discussed, as well as phenylalanine metabolism, trying to provide a rational link betweenimmunology, metabolism and mental status. Besides underlining the complexity of the mechanism involvedin the development of depression, the knowledge on relevant biomarkers may be useful in orchestratingpersonalized therapy regimes.