Review article
Neuroinflammation and Mental Disorders
Gordana Rubeša
Aristea Pavešić Radonja
Tatjana Ružić
Ilijana Stanivuk
Sandra Blažević Zelić
Abstract
Neuroinflammation refers to inflammatory reactions of the brain and spinal cord that are still insufficiently explored. Although inquiries into the consequences of neuroinflammation are most often negative, there are also neuroinflammatory responses that are beneficial and adaptive. Microglia carry a central role in discussions on neuroinflammation. Their function is active immune surveillance of neuroinflammatory processes. During inflammation, microglia become activated and increase the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines with the aim of protecting the central nervous system. However, enhanced, excessive, or chronic activation of microglia can lead to significant pathological changes and neurobehavioral complications such as mental disorders.
This review explores the roles and underlying mechanisms of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Neuroinflammation in depression and anxiety has been studied through evidence of activated glial cells, cytokine signaling, dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier, and disturbances in neurotransmitter systems responsible for the development of mood and anxiety disorders, particularly in specific brain regions involved in their regulation. The involvement of neuroinflammation in schizophrenia has long been assumed; however, only recent research suggests that neuroinflammation may represent an early pathology of schizophrenia that later leads to neurodegeneration. The main evidence for neuroinflammation in schizophrenia includes microglial activation, dysregulation of the expression of certain inflammatory genes, altered levels of metabolites in the kynurenine pathway, and infiltration of brain tissue by peripheral immune cells.
Nevertheless, the exact role of neuroinflammation in the etiology of mental disorders is still not fully understood, but current knowledge provides a solid foundation for future research.
Keywords
neuroinflammation, microglia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia
Hrčak ID:
349186
URI
Publication date:
10.7.2026.
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