Relationships between serotonin 1A receptor DNA methylation, self-reported history of childhood abuse and gray matter volume in major depression.

Background: Early life adversity is a risk factor for psychopathology and is associated with epigenetic alterations in the 5-HT receptor gene promoter. The 5-HT receptor mediates neurotrophic effects, which could affect brain structure and function. We examined relationships between self-reported early childhood abuse, 5-HT receptor promoter DNA methylation, and gray matter volume (GMV) in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Systematic Review of Gut Microbiota and Major Depression.

Recently discovered relationships between the gastrointestinal microbiome and the brain have implications for psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Bacterial transplantation from MDD patients to rodents produces depression-like behaviors. In humans, case-control studies have examined the gut microbiome in healthy and affected individuals.