Pathophysiological Mechanisms Implicated in Postpartum Depression
January 2019
in “
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology
”
TLDR Postpartum depression is linked to changes in brain chemicals, inflammation, stress, and certain genes, and can potentially be identified by markers like specific steroids, serotonin levels, and vitamin D levels.
The 2018 review discussed various pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to postpartum depression, including neuroendocrine changes, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter alterations, circuit dysfunction, and genetic and epigenetic involvement. Risk factors such as stress and adverse life events were highlighted. The document also discussed potential biomarkers for postpartum depression, including the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone, higher levels of ß-endorphin, reduced platelet serotonin levels, increased monoamine oxidase-A density, low omega-3 levels, and lower vitamin D levels. Genetic influences were also considered, focusing on genes like the serotonin transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2), Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), Monoamine Oxidase (MAO), and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). The review concluded that these mechanisms are interconnected and may collectively contribute to postpartum depression.
