Increased Levels of Protein Caused Depression and Suicide
Posted on August 4, 2008 in Current Affairs by Danteshwari
Those who committed suicide had increased levels of specific protein in their brains, according to a study conducted by Canadian researchers. They felt this was the reason why people got into deep depression or committed suicide.
Michael Poulter, University of Western Ontario as well as Hymie Anisman, Carleton University noticed that increased levels of protein affected a gene that controlled anxiety and stress. Those who committed suicide had higher levels of this protein as compared to those who died of some other cause.
These researchers further state that these proteins resulted in chemical modification of that particular gene in epigenomic regulation process. The modification caused the malfunctioning or shutting down of the gene that controls anxiety. This resulted in the impairment of the individual’s ability to cope up with stress and they therefore committed suicide.
Researchers also felt that this specific gene played an important role in the regulation of the brain activity. Poulter felt that these observations helped in the opening of new vistas of research and possible therapeutic interventions.
Source TOI August 4th 2008
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