Exploring the Molecular Basis of Depression: Genetic Factors and the Role of SSRIs
People illustrations by Storyset
Here's a hypocritical thing to do: I've had less than 6 hours of rest, and I'm about to tell you about factors that influence mental health disorders, including sleep. Unlike other hypocrites, I actually took the Hippocratic Oath to make you feel better about your condition while I avoid doing what I tell you to do...Just kidding (get 6 to 8 hours of sleep, its good for you).
According to Google Trends, one of the main topics related to mental health that people have been searching for is endogenous depression. This is a specific type of depression that is brought about by biological factors rather than life's stressors, such as the death of a loved one, long periods of lack of sleep, or failures in academic and financial pursuits.
Endogenous depression is related to neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and their storage, secretion, and effect are related to genetic factors, hormonal factors, and structural changes in the brain.
Modern Science
People illustrations by Storyset
Modern science has limited knowledge on the genes responsible for causing depression, but Stanford University claims there is evidence that depression may be 40-50% inheritable or higher in cases of severe depression.
Family studies, twin studies, and molecular genetics have been used to prove the genetic cause of depression. Some families have first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, or child) who suffer from depression, and families with this sort of history are 2-3 times more likely to be affected by depression. Identical twins also have a higher chance of sharing depressive features than non-identical twins.
Molecular studies have found specific genes that code for serotonin transporters, which can be linked to depression. This gene is important in regulating serotonin, and older studies have found that there is an imbalance in the levels of this neurotransmitter in those who are depressed.
Before molecular studies, science had limited knowledge of the molecular basis of depression (or even mental health issues) due to a lack of animal studies related to this topic.
A lot of what we know about other disease conditions that affect human beings is because they were studied in animals. However, complex mental states cannot be replicated in animals, and there is also the social background of many conditions that cannot be brought into play. For example, how can the loss of a parent affect an animal as much as it does in humans?
Methods
People illustrations by Storyset
Luckily for mankind, James Watson and Francis Crick took an interest in the molecular basis of DNA in 1953. Nowadays, there are many ways to analyze gene expression, modification, and its protein derivatives. One of the most popular ways is with microarray or RNA sequencing to compare healthy and depressed subjects in studies.
In these studies, brain tissue or blood may be used, and gene segments are assessed for their functionality and compared between depressed and healthy patients.
The serotonin transporter 5-HTT gene is one of these dysfunctional genes that have been localized and found to contribute significantly to the regulation of serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin itself is a mood regulator, and it also affects appetite and sleep, which are all affected in depressed individuals.
The serotonin transporter removes serotonin from brain cell spaces called the synaptic cleft. This is a normal process in everybody. One variation of this gene, known as the short allele, has been associated with a higher chance of stress susceptibility and the risk of depression.
Selective Serotonine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
People illustrations by Storyset
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressant drugs that affect the serotonin transporter. Although SSRIs were noticed to have an effect on patients with depression before the gene locus was discovered, the discovery reaffirmed what was already suspected to be true. These drugs selectively block the receptors that take up serotonin and reduce its amounts in the synaptic cleft, leading to an increase in the duration of the action of serotonin.
The effects of SSRIs are usually noted after 4 to 6 weeks of drug commencement, but sometimes lack of adherence to the medication can occur due to side effects that are noted after prolonged use, such as sexual dysfunction, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram.
Conclusion
Inkscape.org
In conclusion, the factors that influence mental health disorders such as endogenous depression are related to genetic, hormonal, and structural changes in the brain. Modern science has limited knowledge of the genes responsible for causing depression, but studies have shown that genetics play a significant role.
Molecular studies have found specific genes that code for serotonin transporters, which are important in regulating serotonin and linked to depression. The discovery of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was a result of this knowledge, which has helped in the treatment of depression.
However, prolonged use of SSRIs can lead to side effects, and adherence to medication can sometimes be a challenge. Understanding the molecular basis of mental health disorders is essential in developing effective treatments and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.
How can we work to better understand and raise awareness of endogenous depression and other mental health disorders?
Exploring the Molecular Basis of Depression: Genetic Factors and the Role of SSRIs is a property of Dr Kigigha Ebingo Lovet.