Latest study reveals that people who suffer from depression and other psychiatric disorders also suffer from aging-related diseases.
An international team of researchers suggest that depression and aging are linked to the FKBP5 gene. The researchers explain that genes can also be controlled by adding or removing methyl (CH3) groups to a specific area of a gene. Aging may reduce the methylation process that can cause the FKBP5 gene to be overexpressed. The study suggests that when a person is depressed, the demethylation process gets accelerated.
The researchers also found that the increased level of FKBP5 is also linked to growths in the biochemical markers responsible for cardiovascular risk and inflammation.
Dr. Anthony Zannas of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, who is also the lead researcher of the study, explains that they found that depression and aging can lead to some changes in DNA management, which can regulate gene expression that controls people's response to stress.
Dr. Zannas reveals that these fluctuations are linked to greater inflammation and can possibly lead to an increased risk of other aging-related medical issues such as neuropsychiatric disorders and heart diseases. These diseases have also been detected in chronically depressed and stressed individuals.
The researchers suggest that it is very early to confirm that they "are seeing a cause and effect" and they need to determine the findings of the study by examining bigger samples and find out the mechanisms with the help of animal models. The study is relevant as it gives scientists an opportunity to develop examination methods for age-associated diseases and find ways to avert the harmful and dangerous implications of stress on humans.
"The FKBP5 gene is found on chromosome 6 in humans. It codes the FK506 binding protein 5, also known as FKBP5. This protein is known to play a role in stress responses, immune regulation and basic cellular processes involving protein folding," reads the press release of the study.
Professor Bill Deakin, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit at the University of Manchester, suggests that depression can also lead to other diseases such as obesity, dementia, diabetes and more. The latest study, conducted by Dr. Zannas and his team, is just the first step to understand the mechanisms related to the shared risks of diseases linked with aging and depression.
