Expert opinion on therapeutic targets
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Depression is one of the most prevalent and life-threatening forms of mental illness associated with significant disability and mortality. About 21% of the world's population is affected by depression. ⋯ Stress can be considered as a major contributor to the development of depressive disorder due to the dysregulation of HPA axis. Cytokine effects on behavior are believed to be related in part to their effects on neurotransmitter and neuropeptide function, synaptic plasticity and neuroendocrine function. Although there are multiple pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of depression, the current antidepressants mainly target monoaminergic pathway. However, the therapeutic potential of other pathways is still under investigation. Drugs targeting NO, cytokines and the kynurenine acid pathway might be the drugs of choice in near future.