British scientists have discovered the precise mechanism by which antidepressant pills produce brain cells. Thus, they can create drugs that treat depression “right on target”.
Previous studies had shown that tricyclic antidepressants or the selective inhibitors of the regained serotonin generate new brain cells, but researchers do not know the exact treatment mechanism.
A new study by researchers at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry has shown that the drugs regulate the level of glucocorticoid receptors, proteins responsible for the way the body “responds” to stress.
“Once we have identified the glucocorticoid receptors as key factors in the regeneration of brain cells, we can use this innovative model in laboratory to create ‘targeted’ antidepressants, much more effective medicines”, said Christoph Anacker, author of the study.
120 millions of people affected by depression
Recent studies have shown that neurons of the depressed people die sooner, which aggravates the disease. Reducing this phenomenon would stop the disease progression and improve the quality of life for patients.
The study used antidepressants such as Prozac (Eli Lilly), Zoloft (Pfizer), Paxil (GlaxoSmithKline), and a new class of drugs, such as Effexor (Pfizer) or Cymbalta (Eli Lilly).
Depression affects over 121 million people worldwide, according to World Health Organization statistics. Less than one quarter of patients receive treatment.