The Role of Neuroinflammation and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Major Depressive Disorder

Neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the pathophysiology and progression of major depressive disorder. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers are associated with treatment resistance to conventional antidepressants and poor prognosis. Targeting inflammation with alternative anti-inflammatory treatments might be a promising treatment strategy for patients suffering from depression with underlying immune dysfunction. The use of inflammatory biomarkers is very useful to identify patients with inflammatory abnormalities at risk to develop treatment resistance and to select the appropriate treatment option from the beginning. The aim of the present review is to elucidate the impact of neuroinflammation on the pathogenesis and progression of major depressive disorder. It provides insight into alternative therapies targeting inflammatory pathways, such as electroconvulsive therapy and ketamine, and illustrates the role of potential inflammatory biomarkers to improve prevention of treatment resistance and treatment strategies.