Study Reveals Altered Genes in Immune Cells of Depression Patients
Researchers at the University of São Paulo have discovered that certain genes linked to neuronal communication are altered in the immune cells of patients with depression. This finding suggests that depression is a systemic disease affecting both the brain and the body. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 blood samples and identified changes in gene expression in white blood cells of patients with major depressive disorder. These altered genes are traditionally associated with synapses and neurotransmitter transmission. The research indicates a strong link between depression and other diseases, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and inflammatory conditions. The study opens possibilities for developing blood tests to detect depression and its severity, offering a more accessible diagnostic tool than brain tissue analysis. 
