UHasselt researcher links depression to inflammatory diseases
A PhD student at the University of Hasselt has discovered that certain inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis can be a direct physical cause of depression
Molecules “talk” to brain
Through experiments with rodents, Biesmans found that immune system molecules go to the brain when they combat inflammations in the intestines. “This causes the immune system in the brain to become active,” explained Biesmans in a statement.
This in itself is a good thing since the immune system deals with tracking down problems in the body, solving them and repairing the damage. “But if it’s permanently active, the immune system will also affect healthy tissue in the brain,” said Biesmans. “Our research shows that long-term inflammation can disrupt the immune system so strongly that it remains permanently active and causes depressions through the secretion of certain substances .”
For the research, UHasselt’s life sciences institute Biomed collaborated with the neuroscience department at Janssen Pharmaceutica. The results may lead to the development of new antidepressants and to improved use of current drugs.
“Many patients who use immunostimulating drugs, for example, could develop depression over the long-term,” said professor Niels Hellings. “Many depressions can now be avoided by using another medication.”
