Publication date: Jun 25, 2025

Gaining insights into the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammation can aid the development of therapeutic approaches to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders. The release of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and fibroblast growth factor-2 by astrocytes were critical for the promotion of neurite growth and synapse formation. They evaluated 226 research papers relevant to astrocytes, neuroinflammation, and depression. Besides stabilizing the tripartite synapse comprising of neuron-astrocyte-neuron, astrocytes further facilitated the effective communication between neurons via regulation of the ionic environment. The first step of the mechanism was the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor- and interleukin-1 from activated microglia cells. “Additionally, preclinical studies involving murine models showed that astrocytic lactate dehydrogenase A enzyme, responsible for lactate production, is important for maintaining neuronal excitability. Following multiple cycles of astrocyte-released ATP-based activation, microglial cells eventually undergo apoptosis or programed cell death.

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