Khaberni - A recent Australian study has revealed that women carry genetic factors making them more susceptible to depression compared to men, which could partially explain why this condition is more prevalent among women.
According to the study published in the journal (Nature Communications), researchers examined DNA samples from nearly half a million people, and found that the number of genetic "signals" linked to depression in women is double that in men.
Dr. Brittany Mitchell, the study team leader who works at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, said: "We already know that the risk of females developing depression is twice that of males".
She added, "To date, sufficient research has not been conducted to explain why the impact of depression differs between females and males, including the potential role of genetic factors". The study team identified about 7000 changes in DNA that could cause depression in both sexes, and about 6000 other changes in DNA that could specifically cause depression in females.
Researchers also found that genetic factors associated with depression interact more with metabolic trait genes in females compared to males.
They explained that these differences might help explain why females suffering from depression experience metabolic symptoms such as weight changes or fluctuations in levels of physical and mental vitality and activity. The researchers say that most pharmacological trials and treatments focus on males, and they hope that their work will contribute to a deeper understanding of depression in females.
The researchers concluded that "these findings underscore the importance of considering sex-specific genetic factors in the study of health conditions, including major depressive disorder, paving the way for more precise therapeutic strategies".
