Efficacy, safety and mechanistic insights of pentoxifylline in major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Novel treatments that act beyond the conventionally targeted monoamine system are urgently needed to provide more effective relief for patients with major depressive disorder. Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, with additional pleiotropic effects. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the role of PTX in major depressive disorder.