Breakthroughs in Depression Research: Study

Researchers have not only discovered a how a natural antidepressant works inside the brain, but have also determined what compounds can enhance this antidepressant, opening up new opportunities for scientists to develop new and effective treatments for depression.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry, a peer-reviewed journal and Nature publication, details these findings that some are calling "breakthrough" discoveries in depression research.

According to the study, the researchers reached their findings after first analyzing ghrelin in lab mice. Ghrelin is a hormone commonly associated with hunger due to its ability to arouse appetite in a person or animal. However, according to the researchers, past studies had revealed that ghrelin also exhibits natural antidepressant properties in a person, especially when he or she has been undergoing psychological stress and restricted caloric intake.

Keeping this in mind, the researchers observed how and when ghrelin raised in levels and expressed its antidepressant nature. Though various models, the researchers were quickly able to determine that when functioning as an antidepressant, ghrelin can trigger the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus -- the brain region that regulates mood and eating behaviors. It is theorized that these new neurons improve activity in the hippocampus, improving both appetite and mood in the process.

Whet naturally expressed, ghrelin only serves as an antidepressant in a minor function, but the researchers wanted to see if there was a way to encourage the hormone's antidepressant tendencies.

Using a compound referred to as P7C3, the researchers found that they could enhance the properties of gherelin associated with neuron production in the hippocampus. According to the study, a variant of the compound -- P7C3-A20 -- proved most effective, boosting neuron formation even more than currently  available anti-depressants are able to.

The researchers suggest that because ghrelin also controls appetite, antidepressants that can potentially be developed in the wake of these discoveries would best be used in treating depressed people with major depressive disorders tied to eating habits such as anorexia nervosa or even obesity.

The study was published in Molecular Psychiatry on April 22.