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sFRP3 and Being sad (a good thing?)

Mice lacking a protein called DKK1 develop more new neurons (right) compared with controls (left).
Mice lacking a protein called DKK1 develop more new neurons (right) compared with controls (left).

Scientist discovered how antidepressant drugs and electroconvulsive therapy works. They found out that these therapy methods reduce the Secreted frizzled-related protein 3 (sFRP3), which is in turn an inhibitor to the creation of new neurons in our brain. (1, 2, 3)

This same protein increases in our body as we get older, thus playing also a role in diseases like Alzheimer. Protein DKK1 also plays a similar role. (4)

Strange. Is it in our Nature to die and get more depressed?

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Wow.

If depression is such an integral part of our life, maybe it is a good thing? Could we have overlooked such an important aspect of our existence?

I am leaving now. I am going to go sad…

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