In a study published in Nature, a team of Chinese mainland researchers has unraveled the long-elusive mechanism behind two of the most powerful rapid-acting antidepressant therapies: ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This discovery could chart a course for developing safer and more effective treatments for depression, a condition affecting over 280 million people worldwide.
For decades, ketamine and ECT have been prized for their fast-acting properties—often delivering relief within hours or days, unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to kick in. Yet, the precise biological pathways they target remained unclear. Now, scientists from the Chinese Institute for Brain Research in Beijing, led by Professor Luo Minmin, alongside teams from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry and Peking University, have identified the adenosine signaling pathway as the common thread linking these therapies.
By combining cutting-edge molecular probes, advanced drug synthesis, and rigorous behavioral tests in preclinical models, the researchers showed that both ketamine and ECT boost adenosine levels in key brain regions tied to mood regulation. This surge activates specific receptors, leading to rapid neuroplastic changes that can alleviate depressive symptoms.
According to Professor Wang Xiaohui of the Chinese mainland Academy of Sciences, this shared mechanism offers a clear target for next-generation antidepressants and opens the door to drugs that selectively engage the adenosine pathway, reducing side effects and boosting safety.
The breakthrough arrives as the global mental health community seeks faster, more reliable interventions. With the adenosine signaling pathway in sight, the team's roadmap points to novel compounds that could mimic the rapid benefits of ketamine and ECT without the risks of anesthesia, high-dose exposure, or cognitive side effects.
As young entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and change-makers scan the horizon for health breakthroughs that blend science with real-world impact, this discovery exemplifies the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration. It underscores how emerging-market research can drive global solutions for pressing challenges—reminding us that when science advances, the world takes notice.
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Chinese researchers reveal shared mechanism in depression treatment
cgtn.com
