Increasing evidence indicates that depression affects bone metabolism to some extent, but the specific mechanisms are still unclear. Numerous studies have confirmed that a variety of signaling molecules are involved in depression's impact on fracture healing, including serum monoamine neurotransmitters, cytokines, inflammatory markers, growth factors, and metabolites. This article comprehensively discusses the effects of depression-associated signaling molecules on bone metabolism and their underlying mechanisms to provide a basis for early preventive intervention for delayed fracture healing in patients with depression.
Keywords: bone metabolism; depression; mechanism; review; signaling molecules.