Anti-TNF-α Compounds as a Treatment for Depression

Sarit Uzzan; Abed N Azab

doi:10.3390/molecules26082368

Anti-TNF-α Compounds as a Treatment for Depression

Molecules. 2021 Apr 19;26(8):2368. doi: 10.3390/molecules26082368.

Authors

Sarit Uzzan¹, Abed N Azab^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School for Community Health Professions-Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
² Department of Nursing, School for Community Health Professions-Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.

Abstract

Millions of people around the world suffer from psychiatric illnesses, causing unbearable burden and immense distress to patients and their families. Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation may contribute to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder. Copious studies have consistently shown that patients with mood disorders have increased levels of plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Given these findings, selective anti-TNF-α compounds were tested as a potential therapeutic strategy for mood disorders. This mini-review summarizes the results of studies that examined the mood-modulating effects of anti-TNF-α drugs.

Keywords: TNF-α; TNFR; bipolar disorder; depression; inflammation; pentoxifylline.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
Depression / drug therapy*
Female
Humans
Inflammation / drug therapy
Male
Pentoxifylline / therapeutic use
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Pentoxifylline