Depression: A New Scientific Paradigm by K Scientists
- Researchers at the Korea Institute of Basic Sciences (IBS) have revealed the molecular path that causes depression due to chronic stress affecting the brain's sugar chain.
- The European Calette, a scientific thesis introduction site of the American science Promotion Association (AAAS), posted this as a major article on the 3rd.
- Depression is a debilitating disease characterized by feelings of helplessness,sleep disorders,and social withdrawal.
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Brain Sugar Chains Linked to depression in New Research
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Researchers at the Korea Institute of Basic Sciences (IBS) have revealed the molecular path that causes depression due to chronic stress affecting the brain’s sugar chain.
The European Calette, a scientific thesis introduction site of the American science Promotion Association (AAAS), posted this as a major article on the 3rd. Eurocalette featured an article titled “Tiny sugars in the Brain Disrupt Emotional Circuits, Fueling depression.” The research found that chronic stress disrupts sugar chains in the brain, potentially leading to depression, and opens possibilities for new treatments that may work when traditional drugs fail.
Understanding Depression: A Growing Global Concern
Depression is a debilitating disease characterized by feelings of helplessness,sleep disorders,and social withdrawal. Tragically, it can lead to suicide. In Korea, 1.1 million people were treated for depression last year, and the number of patients continues to rise. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that over 280 million people suffer from depression.
While depression is known to be caused by a combination of psychological, environmental, and genetic factors, current treatments primarily focus on regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. However, these treatments are only effective for approximately half of patients and can cause side effects such as digestive issues and increased anxiety. This limitation underscores the urgent need for new research and therapeutic approaches.
The Role of Brain Sugar Chains (Glycans)
This new research focuses on glycans – sugar chains attached to proteins – in the brain. The IBS team discovered that chronic stress alters these glycans, disrupting emotional circuits and contributing to the development of depression.Specifically, the study identified changes in the glycosylation patterns of proteins in brain regions associated with mood regulation.
The disruption of these sugar chains affects the function of synapses, the connections between neurons. This impaired synaptic function is believed to be a key mechanism underlying the symptoms of depression.