Age-Related Brain Volume Changes in Men & Women (2024 MRI Study)

Normal aging leads to a decrease in brain volume, with gray and white matter shrinking and cerebrospinal fluid increasing, as measured by synthetic MRI. Highlights: Study Sample: 300 healthy adults (141 males, median age 48; 159 females, median age 50) were analyzed using synthetic MRI. Brain Volume Trends: Brain parenchymal volume (nBPV) decreases steadily with …

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Genetics of Depression Linked to Gut Microbiome Abnormalities (2024 Study)

Alterations in the gut microbiome are causally linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), with certain gut bacteria either increasing or decreasing the risk of developing MDD. Highlights: Protective Bacteria: Ten gut bacterial taxa, including phylum Actinobacteria and family Bifidobacteriaceae, were found to be protective against MDD. Risk Factors: Ten other taxa, such as phyla Firmicutes …

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Autism Linked to High Leptin & Low Progranulin in Children (2024 Meta-Analysis)

Leptin levels are significantly increased in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential role in ASD pathology. Highlights: Leptin Levels: Children with ASD have significantly higher serum leptin levels compared to healthy controls, as confirmed by both individual study results (p=0.0319) and meta-analysis (p<0.001). Progranulin Reduction: In addition to …

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Shexiang Baoxin Pills (SBP) May Reduce Depression & Improve Heart Function via Anti-Inflammatory Effect (2024 Rat Study)

Shexiang Baoxin Pills (SBP) may help improve heart function and reduce depression in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by reducing inflammation. Highlights: Depression & Heart Disease Link: Patients with heart attacks often experience depression, which can worsen their heart condition. Study Purpose: This study tested the effectiveness of SBP, a traditional Chinese medicine, in …

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Allopregnanolone vs. Diazepam: Antidepressant Effects via Brain Activity Modulation (2024 Mouse Study)

Allopregnanolone shows antidepressant-like effects in mice by increasing social interaction and specific brain wave activities, unlike diazepam. Highlights: Allopregnanolone: Allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid, increases social interaction time in mice experiencing social defeat stress, indicating potential antidepressant-like effects. Brain Activity: This increase in social interaction is associated with heightened theta and beta oscillations in the basolateral …

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Resocialization After Social Isolation Reverses Neuroinflammation & Depression in Mice (2024 Study)

Resocialization significantly reduces depressive behaviors in socially isolated mice by decreasing neuroinflammation and nitrite levels in the hippocampus. Highlights: Depressive Behaviors: Resocialization reduced depressive behaviors in socially isolated mice, as shown by improved performance in behavioral tests. Neuroinflammation: Resocialization led to decreased levels of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-1β, TNF, and TLR4) in the hippocampus, indicating reduced …

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Moderate Alcohol Intake Increases Depression Relapse in Men on SNRIs (2024 Study)

Moderate alcohol intake in men treated with SNRI antidepressants significantly increases the risk of depression relapse, according to a new study. Highlights: Risk Increase with SNRIs: Men with moderate alcohol consumption and elevated liver enzymes are significantly more likely to relapse when treated with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Sex Differences: Men generally had higher alcohol …

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Aesthetic Chills (Frisson) May Help Treat Depression: Goosebumps from Emotional Stimuli (2024 Study)

Experiencing aesthetic chills can positively influence self-related beliefs in people with depression, similar to the effects of psychedelics, suggesting potential as a non-pharmacological intervention. Highlights: Novel Approach: Aesthetic chills, characterized by physical sensations like shivers and goosebumps, may help shift negative cognitive patterns in depression. Study Results: 96 patients with major depressive disorder showed positive …

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Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (TACS) for Depression: Effective Adjunct via Reducing Prefrontal Alpha Waves (2024 Trial)

Adding transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to antidepressant treatment improves depression symptoms more effectively than using antidepressants alone. Highlights: Enhanced Efficacy: tACS combined with antidepressants significantly reduces depression symptoms compared to antidepressant treatment alone. Lasting Effects: The additional antidepressant benefits of tACS persist for at least 4 weeks after treatment ends. Brain Activity Changes: Patients …

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