Doctors discover hundreds of depression related genes
Approximately every sixth person suffers in the course of his life, a Depression, and the new genetic studies suggest that a so-called DNA would contribute to Screening to identify the most vulnerable persons, long before the first symptoms occur.
The scientists from Edinburgh University discovered in their recent study, hundreds of newly identified genes associated with the pathogenesis of depression. The doctors published the results of their study in the English journal “Nature Neuroscience”.
Certain genes associated with Depression and Smoking
Hundreds of newly-identified genes are, apparently, with depression. The experts found also that people who carry these genes, have a higher probability in the course of life with the Smoking, there was also a significant genetic correlations between Depression and schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neurotic personality traits.
DNA samples of more than two million people were evaluated
The results are based on the DNA samples of more than two million people. The researchers used a complex and relatively new statistical technique, which is referred to as Mendelian randomisation, in order to identify 269 genes that were not previously associated with depression. People are already born with your genes, so if there is a connection between a Gene and a disease like Depression is established, we know the medical community is that the genes are somehow involved in the cause of this Depression, says study author Professor Andrew McIntosh from the University of Edinburgh.
Depression cannot always be attributed to our genes
The scientists claim that genetic factors cause in all of human depression, most depression is likely to be caused by environmental factors, but the evidence suggests that depression may lead to Smoking. It is unclear why Depression-associated genes remained in the population, but it is assumed that they mutate too often to be by the so-called natural Selection wiped out, or that the associated characteristics, such as excessive fear of potential dangers, and give people a survival advantage.
New treatments and drugs?
The study of the genes could in the future lead to the development of Screening Tools and to more individualized treatments, explains the study author. If you could identify the people who are most affected by depression, then you could help you to change your lifestyle and you may receive earlier treatment. The genetic findings could also be used to identify new drug treatments for depression or drug treatment on the people to vote, who respond the most to you, explain the doctors.
Further research is already in planning
In the meantime, the researchers are recruiting for the next Phase of their study, 40,000 people from all over the United Kingdom, which suffered from conditions in the past of depression or anxiety. The Participants are asked to saliva samples for genetic analysis and a questionnaire about your health and your life style fill out. (as)