Microglia Energy Problems as a New View of Depression Causes

Major depressive disorder is closely linked to chronic low-grade neuroinflammation associated with microglial dysfunction.

• Mitochondrial dysfunction may trigger microglial activation through several mechanisms, including changes in energy metabolism and impairment of the electron transport chain.
• Accumulation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial DNA damage are observed in the context of depression.
• Imbalances in mitochondrial processes such as fission and fusion, autophagy, and mitophagy could contribute to the onset and progression of depressive symptoms.
• Microglial activation has been documented in both animal models and clinically depressed patients, highlighting its relevance to the disorder.
• Understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in neuroinflammation may lead to new therapeutic strategies for depression.

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