This session focuses on recent insights into inflammation-associated depression including blood immunometabolic and proteomic signatures, and microglial changes in the brain. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of specific biomarkers that correlate with depression symptoms, effects of antidepressants at the proteomic level, and how experimentally-induced inflammation impacts brain structures associated with mood and motivation.
Presentation 1 by Professor Golam M. Khandaker examines immunometabolic biomarkers in depression. Analysis of biomarkers in young adults reveals patterns related to mood and anxiety symptoms. Findings suggest that elevated inflammatory markers, like IL-6 and neutrophil count, correlate with depression severity, especially somatic symptoms. Although not ideal predictors of depression, these biomarkers may help identify individuals at risk of severe mood and anxiety symptoms, supporting more targeted interventions.
Presentation 2 by Dr Xueyi Shen explores how antidepressant exposure influences blood protein expression. An analysis of over 19,000 individuals from UK Biobank identified 525 proteins linked to antidepressant use, with notable differences linked to expression in multiple gastrointestinal tissues. These proteins are linked to drug targets for the nervous system and immune system, emphasizing the need to consider gastrointestinal factors in depression treatment.
Presentation 3 by Professor Neil Harrison investigates inflammation’s impact on brain glial cells. An experimental study involving interferon-beta injection reveals how inflammation alters microglial structure in brain reward and motivation areas. Inflammation increased cytokines like IL-6, which correlated with changes in microglial cells, suggesting a mechanistic link between immune response and mood regulation.
This session provides practical insights into biomarker-driven approaches for depression, exploring how these findings may inform personalized treatment strategies. Delegates will learn how inflammation-related biomarkers, antidepressant proteomic changes, and microglial responses contribute to depression, offering potential paths for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Learning objectives
In this session you will:
- Develop understanding in the role of Immunometabolic Biomarkers in depression
- Analyse the Proteomic Impact of Antidepressant use
- Explore effects of systemic inflammation on Brain Microglial Structure.
Speakers
Chair: Professor Neil Harrison, Cardiff University, Cardiff
Professor Golam Khandaker, University of Bristol, Bristol
Dr Xueyi Shen, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Professor Neil Harrison, Cardiff University, Cardiff
Availability
This webinar is part of the Congress webinar 2025 package. If you attended all four days of Congress, you will have access to these as part of your Congress package. Otherwise the Congress webinar 2025 package can be purchased below.
