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Abstract
Excessive secretion of macrophage monokines is proposed as the cause of depression.
Monokines when given to volunteers can produce the symptoms necessary for the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition Revised (DSM-III-R) diagnosis
of major depressive episode. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) can provoke the hormone abnormalities
linked with depression. This theory provides an explanation for the significant association
of depression with coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and other
diseases where macrophage activation occurs. The 3:1 female/male incidence of depression
ratio is accounted for by estrogen's ability to activate macrophages. The extraordinary
low rate of depression in Japan is consistent with the suppressive effect of eicosapentanoic
acid on macrophages. Fish oil is proposed as a prophylaxis against depression and
omega-6 fat as a promoter. Infection, tissue damage, respiratory allergies and antigens
found in food are some of the possible causes of macrophage activation triggering
depression.