An insightful comparison of the current neuroimmune mechanism(s) with the thoughts of differential syndromes from traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of MDD

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disease affecting 300 million people worldwide. Current drugs are ineffective for at least 30 % of the patients. Novel and personalized medication is needed urgently. Cumulative studies suggest that the neuroinflammation of the glial cells, particularly NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and subsequent regulation of synaptic functions may be the key for the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD. In this review, we delve to compare the modern mechanism of MDD treatment with the theories of differential symptoms for personalized treatment of the ancient decoctions from traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Interestingly, the mechanisms of MDD treatment from Western and TCM theories overlap to a nexus on regulating neuro-immune signaling pathways, including NLRP 3 inflammasome, cytokine expressions and synaptic functions. In this review, we have summarized 8 differential syndromes and 10 decoctions for the TCM treatment of MDD in modulation of immune system and synaptic functions. The neuroimmune modulation of the 10 decoctions for the treatment MDD from TCM are amazingly similar towards the anti-inflammatory effects and enhancing synaptic functions. The comparison of theories and therapies from Western medicine and TCM may contribute to the development of more effective and safer medication for MDD.