Neuroprotective effects and therapeutic potential of transcorneal electrical stimulation for depression
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2021
Abstract
Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as a non-invasive neuromodulation approach that exerts neuroprotection via diverse mechanisms, including neurotrophic, neuroplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-glutamatergic, and vasodilation mechanisms. Although current studies of TES have mainly focused on its applications in ophthalmology, several lines of evidence point towards its putative use in treating depression. Apart from stimulating visual-related structures and promoting visual restoration, TES has also been shown to activate brain regions that are involved in mood alterations and can induce antidepressant-like behaviour in animals. The beneficial effects of TES in depression were further supported by its shared mechanisms with FDA-approved antidepressant treatments, including its neuroprotective properties against apoptosis and inflammation, and its ability to enhance the neurotrophic expression. This article critically reviews the current findings on the neuroprotective effects of TES and provides evidence to support our hypothesis that TES possesses antidepressant effects.
Keywords
TES, transcorneal electrical stimulation, Neuromodulation, Depression, Antidepressant, Neuroprotection
Divisions
fac_med
Funders
Hong Kong Research Grants Council (17119420),University of Hong Kong's Seed Fund for Translational and Applied Research (201910160010),University of Hong Kong
Publication Title
Cells
Volume
10
Issue
9
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher Location
ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND