A surprising new approach to treating depression is showing promise.\nRather than targeting brain chemicals like conventional drugs, this\nmethod works by calming the immune system.<\/p>\n
In a small-scale clinical trial led by the University of Bristol and\npublished in JAMA Psychiatry on 20 May, researchers found that an\nanti-inflammatory drug commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis\neffectively eased symptoms in treatment-resistant depression patients.\nThe drug also reduced fatigue and anxiety while improving quality of\nlife.<\/p>\n
Most antidepressants currently work by targeting brain chemicals such\nas serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. However, about a third of\ndepression patients do not respond well to these medications.<\/p>\n
In recent years, scientists have focused on inflammation as another\nfactor. Research indicates one in three depression patients has high\nlevels of inflammatory markers in their blood, with interleukin-6 (IL-6)\nbeing a key protein of concern.<\/p>\n
To test whether blocking IL-6 could alleviate depression, researchers\nconducted a four-week randomised controlled trial with 30 participants\nsuffering moderate to severe depression who had low inflammatory markers\nin blood tests. Fourteen received tocilizumab (an arthritis drug), while\n16 received a saline placebo.<\/p>\n
Despite the small sample size, results showed greater improvement in\nthe tocilizumab group. Remission rates reached 54% in the treatment\ngroup compared to 31% in the placebo group.<\/p>\n
Golam Khandakar, Professor of Psychiatry and Immunology at the\nUniversity of Bristol and lead investigator of the study, called the\nfindings a significant milestone. \u2018This work represents a major step\nforward in developing new treatments for depression, particularly\ntreatment-resistant cases affecting millions in the UK alone,\u2019 he said.\n\u2018It is one of the first randomised controlled trials testing\nimmunotherapy for depression, the first to target IL-6R as a treatment,\nand the first to use a targeted approach to select patients most likely\nto benefit \u2014 all demonstrating success.\u2019<\/p>\n
Dr.\u00a0\u00c9imear Foley, the study\u2019s lead researcher, added that the\nfindings bring medicine closer to biologically personalised mental\nhealth care. \u2018Depression is estimated to affect 10-20% of people\nworldwide during their lifetime, yet for many, current treatments are\ninsufficient,\u2019 she said. \u2018Our study brings us closer to tailored\ndepression treatment, where care is matched to an individual\u2019s biology \u2014\nhelping us deliver the right treatment to the right patient at the right\ntime.\u2019<\/p>\n
One participant expressed satisfaction with their involvement. \u2018I\u2019m\nglad to have taken part. Without research, medical progress cannot be\nmade,\u2019 they said.<\/p>\n
Despite the promising results, researchers stress that larger-scale\nstudies are needed before immunotherapy can become a standard treatment\nfor widespread depression. The next step is a phase III clinical trial\nwith a broader scope. (Science Daily\/Z-2)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/arthritis-drug-proven-effective-against-severe-depression-1780025229", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }