Review Paper:
Network Pharmacology
Tools used in Identification of Depression Targets
Shirode Devendra and Patil Priyanka
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(8); 298-307;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/208rjbt2980307; (2025)
Abstract
A common and major psychological disorder called depression is characterized by
persistent sadness and hopelessness as well as a lack of interest in or enjoyment
from routine activities. Millions of people are impacted globally and it interferes
with their capacity to go about their daily lives. Depression involves a complicated
etiologic that includes genetic, metabolic, environmental and psychological components.
Emotional dysregulation, cognitive decline, physical discomfort and behavioural
abnormalities are the signs. A combination of medical treatment, psychotherapy and
lifestyle changes is usually used in effective treatment. Comprehending the complex
nature of depression is vital in order to develop more efficacious therapies and
provide comprehensive support to people affected. Depression is difficult to treat
since there is a wide range of symptoms, making diagnosis difficult.
Furthermore, depression frequently co-occurs with other health conditions, making
treatment more difficult and not everyone has access to mental health services.
The branch of network pharmacology is an emerging field which integrates systems
biology, bioinformatics and pharmacology to understand the complex interactions
existing between targets, medications, protein-protein interactions, biological
networks. Rather than focusing on individual drug-target interactions, network pharmacology
takes into account several targets and pathways in order to offer a comprehensive
understanding of drug action and disease mechanisms. By identifying complex biological
networks, this method decreases side effects, estimates synergistic effects and
makes it easier to identify possible multi-target medications. It has potential
use in medication repurposing, personalized treatment and the creation of more potent
therapeutic approaches.
