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Cytokine theory of depression

stridor

Senior Member
Messages
873
Location
Powassan, Ontario
Perhaps this ties in with the lipopolysaccharide research. LPS are bits of cell wall derived from the constant turnover of gut bacteria. Gut issues lead to leaking of LPS from the intestines and the immune system thinking that it is under attack from a bacterial invader goes nuts.

Injection of LPS have created near instantaneous depressive and anxiety symptoms. Perhaps this is a by-product of the immune system's response.

This idea incorporates some of our current thinking on these things. That the gut and brain are dance partners. That many with mental health challenges have identified gut problems and recent work teasing apart the mystery of the gut biome.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25034760