The effects of depression can permeate the bones themselves, and the bones can also send messages back to the brain.
This two-way road is A fascinating new field of research This could be crucial in improving patient care, especially for the elderly, argue three neurologists in China.
In a new review, the authors say that the undervaluedbone and brain axis“Theory and how this concept can help us better understand and treat ”silent killerThings like osteoporosis and complex neuropsychiatric disorders. depression.
their conclusion it is The bone-brain axis, once considered a speculative construct, now “represents a legitimate physiological network.”
“The clinical impact is significant and immediate.” claim Authors – Pengpeng Li from Xi’an Aerospace Hospital, Yangyang Gao from Ningxia Medical University, and Xudong Zhao from Jiangnan University.
“Physicians in related specialties need to be aware of the interconnected pathophysiology of these symptoms.”
Osteoporosis and depression are both common problems in older patients, and they often go hand in hand. Fulfilling research shows that patients with depression often face skeletal problems such as decreased bone density.
On the other hand, patients who: osteoporosisis a disease characterized by decreased bone mass, and has the following tendencies. High rate of depression.
The two coexisting conditions may have actual molecular and cellular connections that bind them, and the bone-brain axis could serve as a bridge, the review authors argue.
At first, it may seem that our squishy brains and dense, hard bones have little in common, but our scientific understanding of both follows a similar historical trajectory.
While the human brain was once thought to be “wired,” we now know that this vital organ is actually: very malleable, Changes with age and experience.
The same goes for our bones.
review author say Our traditional view of mammalian skeletons has “fundamentally changed” in recent years.
new evidence Bones are hormone-producing entities, make a big impact A distant organ like the brain.
For example, the hormones released into the blood from our bones are osteocalcincan cross the blood-brain barrier and affect cognitive function.
Patients with acute depression are showed an increase in the level Osteocalcin in the blood decreases with treatment for depression. This suggests that hormones are somehow tied to mood.
Another bone-derived protein called Osteopontinexhibits anti-inflammatory effects in the brain and may actually rebuild neural tissue. Genetic studies suggest that people with genetic mutations associated with the production of osteopontin are more likely to develop depression.
On the flip side, depression can also affect bone health. Chronic hyperactivity of stress pathways is common in patients with depression and can lead to bone loss through the secretion of brain-derived hormones such as cortisol and a cascading inflammatory response.
In other words, depression and osteoporosis severity may interact through the bone-brain axis.
Further investigation of this pathway may help find better ways to address these two difficult-to-treat conditions. Li, Gao, and Zhao suggest a future of customized exercise programs, neuromodulation, or drugs that focus on bone-derived signals related to mood and bone health.
Related: New breakthrough in strengthening bones could reverse osteoporosis
2025 reviewFor example, we discuss emerging evidence that exercise may engage the bone-brain axis and cause effects that may reduce neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis, or mood disorders.
“Future research will need to test interventions targeting the axis through rigorous research.” clinical trialHowever, current knowledge already supports the incorporation of this conceptual framework into patient management strategies. ” write Lee and his colleagues.
“By recognizing the fundamental relationship between mental health and skeletal health, we can develop more comprehensive approaches to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.”
This study biomolecule.