The link between depression and atherosclerosis through the pathways of inflammation and endothelium dysfunction

Abstract

A large body of evidence suggests that depression increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The elevated risk associated with depression is not limited to clinical major depressive disorder but also extends to sub-syndromal depressive symptoms and constructs with overlapping characteristics, such as vital exhaustion. Multiple pathophysiological pathways are involved in the relationship between depressive symptoms and atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations and progression. These underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood and need further clarification. This review examines inflammation and endothelium dysfunction as potential biological factors involved in the relationship between depressive symptoms and atherosclerosis. It has been reported that systemic inflammation and psychological factors interact through complex pathophysiological and behavioral mechanisms and one question that has been raised concerns whether the inflammation drives depression or vice versa, or whether the association is merely coincidental. Although further investigation is needed, including well-designed prospective studies, to address this question thoroughly, it seems that there is a feedback relationship, although the biological pathways of each direction may be distinct.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Depression; Mechanisms.