About this Research Topic
However, the potential molecular mechanism of sleep disorders as the possible risk factor for depression is unknown. Indeed, the key pathological mechanism of these two diseases still remain to be further identified. Recently, sleep deprivation and chronic mild stress are both discovered to slow down the function of glymphatic system in order to decrease the clearance of metabolic substance from the brain. The potential molecular mechanism of the dysfunction of glymphatic system may be due to the abnormal expression and distribution of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) under the pathologic condition of sleep disorders or major depressive disorders.
In addition, the antidepressants can suppress the astrocytic neuroinflammation induced by sleep deprivation, in order to decrease the neuronal apoptosis triggered by sleep deprivation. It is interesting to research the molecular mechanism of neuroinflammation regulated by antidepressants under the condition of sleep disorders. Meanwhile, chronic pain can also accompany with the sleep disturbances or the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The potential molecular mechanism of chronic pain as a risk factor for sleep disorders or mood disorders is also worth further study.
This Research Topic welcomes reviews and original papers covering the molecular mechanisms in both sleep disorders and mood disorders.
The subtopics include, but are not limited to:
- Astrocytic signaling
- Antidepressant-pharmacology
- Neuroinflammation
- The regulation of glymphatic system
- Chronic pain
Keywords: pain, astrocytes, sleep disorder, neuroinflammation, major depressive disorder
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