A new study has found that individuals with major depressive disorder have lower levels of glutathione in a specific brain area known as the occipital cortex. The findings suggest that brain antioxidants could play a role in understanding or potentially treating depression.
Major depressive disorder affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is associated with symptoms such as persistent sadness, fatigue, and impaired cognitive functioning. Scientists have investigated possible biological contributors to depression, including changes in neurotransmitter systems and immune activity.
Glutathione is the most abundant antioxidant found in the brain, playing a central role in protecting brain cells from oxidative damage. The study used meta-analysis—a method that combines the results of multiple studies—to investigate whether individuals with depression have lower levels of glutathione in living people using brain imaging techniques.
The researchers identified eight studies that met their inclusion criteria and focused on two specific brain areas: the occipital cortex and the medial frontal cortex. The results showed that glutathione levels were lower in the occipital cortex of individuals with depression compared to healthy controls, suggesting a regional difference.
While the study found no significant differences in glutathione levels in other brain regions, it suggests that the reduction in glutathione may be specific to the occipital region. The findings support the role of oxidative stress in depression and could lead to new types of medication for major depression.
The analysis did not find signs of publication bias, increasing confidence in the results. However, the authors acknowledged some limitations, including a small number of studies and variations in glutathione measurement and analysis across the studies. Despite these limitations, the findings are consistent with the idea that oxidative stress is involved in depression and that glutathione plays an important role in brain health.
The study’s authors hope that their findings will encourage further research into the role of oxidative stress in depression and other conditions.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/new-neuroscience-research-reveals-brain-antioxidant-deficit-in-depression