Inflammation in the brain could contribute to suicide
A groundbreaking study has shed light on how overactive inflammation and reduced protective mechanisms in the brain may contribute to an increased risk of suicide.
This research opens new possibilities for the use of anti-inflammatory drugs as a preventive measure, particularly in the early detection of suicidal ideation.
Decoding the brain’s role in suicide
The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, was co-led by experts from the Van Andel Institute, the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry and elsewhere.
Dr. Lena Brundin, one of the lead researchers, emphasized the importance of developing strategies that take into account all factors that contribute to suicide risk, including biological changes in the brain.
Suicide is a complex issue influenced by psychological, social and biological factors. Previous research suggests that persistent inflammation could disrupt brain chemistry, thereby increasing the risk of suicide.
This new study builds on these findings by identifying key molecular changes that trigger inflammation and potentially contribute to suicidal behavior.
Key findings from brain comparisons
The team compared the brains of 29 people who died by suicide with those of 32 people who died of other causes.
Notably, the majority of individuals who died by suicide were not taking antidepressants or antipsychotics, providing clearer insights into suicide-associated molecular changes.
The study revealed several key findings:
Reduced activity in the NPAS4 gene, which is responsible for regulating inflammation and maintaining brain cell health. This decrease in activity promotes inflammation.
Increased excitotoxicity, an inflammatory process that can lead to cell death.
A decrease in oligodendrocytes, cells important for protecting nerve fibers. Damage to these cells through inflammation could result in nerve fibers becoming exposed and vulnerable.
In addition, the study provided an in-depth analysis of gene methylation and transcriptomic data from the brains of individuals who died by suicide, revealing methylation patterns that promote abnormal inflammation.
The research team is also working to identify blood biomarkers that correlate with suicide risk.
Their goal is to create a future in which doctors have access to a validated blood test to assess suicide risk and established treatment strategies that may target inflammation to reduce that risk.
Dr. J. John Mann emphasized the importance of understanding brain function in relation to mood, suicidal ideation, and decision-making.
The team’s ongoing efforts will focus on further researching the role of inflammation in suicide risk, searching for biomarkers, and developing potential treatment approaches.
A new hope for suicide prevention
This study provides a new perspective on suicide prevention and emphasizes the need for improved methods to identify individuals at increased risk.
Like Dr. As Eric Achtyes points out, identifying patterns in molecular markers could be crucial to helping people with mental health problems. The research paves the way for more effective and targeted interventions to reduce suicide risk.
If you care about your brain health, please read studies about blood pressure levels and your brain health, as well as the future Parkinson’s prediction results: It’s in your blood and brain.
Further information on the topic of health can be found in current studies How the Mediterranean Diet Can Protect Your Brain HealthAnd Wild blueberries can be good for your heart and brain.
The research results can be found In Molecular Psychiatry.
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