Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress: Relevance to the pathophysiology and treatment of depression

Increasing evidence suggests that major depressive disorder is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and consequently, increased oxidative stress. In this chapter, the role of mitochondria and how they potentially influence physiological processes associated with depression are reviewed. Research on mitochondrial disturbances in adults with depression is also summarized and possible causes for these disturbances are presented. In particular, a focus is placed on lifestyle, environmental, nutritional, and biological influences on mitochondrial function. More specifically, the role of stress, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, sleep disturbances, diet, nutrients, exercise, gut microbiota, and pharmaceutical medications on mitochondrial activity are discussed. Many of these areas are problematic in people with depression and present as plausible options to improve both depression and mitochondrial function