Researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital and Herlev Hospital found evidence that people who have higher levels of C-reactive protein –an precursor to inflammation- have a higher risk of depression.
What are C-Reactive Proteins?
Produced by the liver, C-reactive proteins are present in the blood stream and rise when the body is experiencing inflammation. C-reactive proteins bind to phosphocholine, a molecule released by dead or damaged cells. A C-reactive protein (CRP) level above 10 miligrams per liter of blood may be a sign of an inflammatory disease such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis or other types of infection.
The Study:
The study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, included 73,131 subjects from Denmark between the ages of 20 and 100. Subjects were given 2-single item self-reports to ascertain their medical history and current researchers found the higher the C-reactive protein levels, the higher the odds of also being prescribed antidepressants, abusing antidepressants, or being hospitalized because of depression.
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Scientists noted that only a correlation was identified- not a cause and effect situation- and that more research must be done to explain this association.
However, past research also suggests a potential link between depression and inflammation. Researchers at Michigan State University found that levels of a brain chemical called quinolinic acid, which is a byproduct caused by inflammation, are elevated in people who are severely depressed or suicidal.
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