Inflammation may be a key feature of depression, scientists say
(Gareth Fuller/PA)
Inflammation – which is the body’s natural process of fighting infection – may also be a key feature of depression, according to scientists.
UK researchers have found those with depression have higher levels of a protein in their bodies associated with inflammation, compared to those without.
This was even when taking into account factors such as ill health, unhealthy behaviours or socio-economic background, the experts said.
They added that their findings, published in the journal American Journal of Psychiatry, could help pave the way for new targeted treatments for mental health disorders.
For the study, the scientists looked at the data of 86,000 people from the UK Biobank, which has health and genetic information on around half a million people.
Unraveling the mystery of Europe s uneven COVID surges stripes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stripes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Are schools safe during Covid-19? Academics take sides in an epic grudge match
One team of experts warn sending kids back to school will lead to a spike in cases, while their opponents say it s safe. But who is right?
By
Jennifer Rigby,
Global Health Security Correspondent
;
Anne Gulland,
Global Health Security Deputy Editor
and
Paul Nuki,
Global Health Security Editor,
London
8 March 2021 • 6:16pm
Schools in England fully reopened on Monday 8 March - but there is a bitter battle over how important children are in coronavirus transmission
Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA
Monday, March 8 marks the kick-off of a grudge match between two teams of leading Covid-19 scientists.