The Inflammatory Effect of Epigenetic Factors and Modifications in Depressive Disorder: A Review

Background: Depressive disorder is one of the most common mental diseases and has become one of the three major causes of disability worldwide. Although some of the pathological mechanisms have been analyzed, the corresponding drug therapy has only achieved about 30% of curative effects. However, the pathological mechanism of depression is very complex, and the relationship between its complicated pathological mechanisms is still elusive. In recent years, more and more evidence shows that environmental stress induces stable changes in gene expression through the epigenetic mechanism which plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Neuroinflammation is considered to be a key pathological mechanism of depression. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between epigenetic mechanism and neuroinflammation in the pathological process of depression. Methods: In this paper, we review the crucial role of neuroinflammation in complex pathological mechanisms, especially its complex interrelationship with neurotransmitters, neuroendocrine, neurogenesis, and neuronal plasticity, which play a key role in the pathology of depression. Results: The relationship between epigenetic mechanism and neuroinflammation in the pathological process of depression has been discussed, which mainly involves histone acetylation, histone methylation, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA association. Conclusion: This review will help to understand the role of epigenetic mechanisms in depression and its related inflammatory responses and provide direction and guidance for future research.