Title |
The renin–angiotensin system: a possible new target for depression
|
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Published in |
BMC Medicine, August 2017
|
DOI | 10.1186/s12916-017-0916-3 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
João Vian, Círia Pereira, Victor Chavarria, Cristiano Köhler, Brendon Stubbs, João Quevedo, Sung-Wan Kim, André F. Carvalho, Michael Berk, Brisa S. Fernandes |
Abstract |
Depression remains a debilitating condition with an uncertain aetiology. Recently, attention has been given to the renin-angiotensin system. In the central nervous system, angiotensin II may be important in multiple pathways related to neurodevelopment and regulation of the stress response. Studies of drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin system have yielded promising results. Here, we review the potential beneficial effects of angiotensin blockers in depression and their mechanisms of action. Drugs blocking the angiotensin system have efficacy in several animal models of depression. While no randomised clinical trials were found, case reports and observational studies showed that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers had positive effects on depression, whereas other antihypertensive agents did not. Drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin system act on inflammatory pathways implicated in depression. Both preclinical and clinical data suggest that these drugs possess antidepressant properties. In light of these results, angiotensin system-blocking agents offer new horizons in mood disorder treatment. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 4 | 16% |
Australia | 3 | 12% |
Brazil | 2 | 8% |
United States | 1 | 4% |
Germany | 1 | 4% |
Unknown | 14 | 56% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 11 | 44% |
Scientists | 9 | 36% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 4 | 16% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | 4% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 170 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 22 | 13% |
Student > Bachelor | 21 | 12% |
Researcher | 20 | 12% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 17 | 10% |
Professor | 9 | 5% |
Other | 31 | 18% |
Unknown | 50 | 29% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 34 | 20% |
Neuroscience | 14 | 8% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 12 | 7% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 12 | 7% |
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | 12 | 7% |
Other | 30 | 18% |
Unknown | 56 | 33% |