Authors :
Nitu; Dr. Arun Garg; S. Gopika; Dr. Ashutosh Upadhayay; Dr. Yogender Singh; Badal Tanwar; Chetna
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/44z94fmz
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/5cczvkaj
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May354
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Introduction:
Depression is a multifactorial psychiatric disorder closely associated with chronic inflammation and stress. The
nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signalling pathway, a major regulator of immune and inflammatory responses, has
emerged as a key molecular link between these factors and depression. Under chronic stress, NF-κB becomes over
activated in neurons and glial cells, promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
This heightened inflammatory response contributes to oxidative stress, neuronal dysfunction, and reduced
neuroplasticity—central features of depressive disorders.
Methods:
This study employed a comprehensive literature review approach to investigate the role of the NF-κB signaling
pathway in the pathophysiology of depression. The search used keywords such as “NF-κB,” “depression,” “inflammation,”
“cytokines,” and “BDNF.” Both experimental (animal and cellular) and clinical studies were included to evaluate
molecular mechanisms linking NF-κB activation with depressive symptoms.
Results:
This review shows that NF-κB overactivation increases cytokines and oxidative stress, causing neuronal dysfunction.
The Notch2/NF-κB pathway increases stress susceptibility, while NF-κB inhibition reduces depressive behaviours,
suggesting therapeutic potential.
Conclusion:
NF-κB overactivation links inflammation and depression by impairing neuroplasticity and hormonal balance.
Targeting this pathway may help reduce neuroinflammation and improve depressive symptoms. Further research should
explore NF-κB inhibitors in clinical settings.
Keywords :
NF-κB, Depression, Inflammation, BDNF, Cytokines.
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Introduction:
Depression is a multifactorial psychiatric disorder closely associated with chronic inflammation and stress. The
nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signalling pathway, a major regulator of immune and inflammatory responses, has
emerged as a key molecular link between these factors and depression. Under chronic stress, NF-κB becomes over
activated in neurons and glial cells, promoting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
This heightened inflammatory response contributes to oxidative stress, neuronal dysfunction, and reduced
neuroplasticity—central features of depressive disorders.
Methods:
This study employed a comprehensive literature review approach to investigate the role of the NF-κB signaling
pathway in the pathophysiology of depression. The search used keywords such as “NF-κB,” “depression,” “inflammation,”
“cytokines,” and “BDNF.” Both experimental (animal and cellular) and clinical studies were included to evaluate
molecular mechanisms linking NF-κB activation with depressive symptoms.
Results:
This review shows that NF-κB overactivation increases cytokines and oxidative stress, causing neuronal dysfunction.
The Notch2/NF-κB pathway increases stress susceptibility, while NF-κB inhibition reduces depressive behaviours,
suggesting therapeutic potential.
Conclusion:
NF-κB overactivation links inflammation and depression by impairing neuroplasticity and hormonal balance.
Targeting this pathway may help reduce neuroinflammation and improve depressive symptoms. Further research should
explore NF-κB inhibitors in clinical settings.
Keywords :
NF-κB, Depression, Inflammation, BDNF, Cytokines.