Esketamine reduces postoperative depression in breast cancer through TREK-1 channel inhibition and neurotransmitter modulation.
Cancer cell international – February 18, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
A breakthrough in managing post-surgery mental health: Esketamine shows promise in reducing postoperative depression among breast cancer patients. The treatment works by blocking specific brain channels called TREK-1 and adjusting chemical signals in hippocampal neurons. This targeted approach helps restore emotional balance and improves recovery outcomes for patients after surgery.
Abstract
Postoperative depression significantly affects the quality of life of breast cancer patients. This study explores the potential therapeutic effects of esketamine on postoperative depression through modulation of the TREK-1 two-pore domain potassium channel. We analyzed data from 54 female breast cancer patients who underwent surgery at our hospital between 2019 and 2023, dividing them into experimental and control groups based on esketamine treatment. Transcriptomic sequencing of hippocampal neurons from rats identified potassium ion-related pathways and key regulatory genes, including TREK-1, influenced by esketamine. In vitro studies showed that esketamine primarily alleviates depressive symptoms by inhibiting TREK-1 protein expression, enhancing GABA neurotransmitter release, and improving neuronal activity, while overexpression of TREK-1 reversed these effects. Esketamine's inhibition of TREK-1 channels and promotion of hippocampal neuron activity effectively alleviate postoperative depression in breast cancer patients, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy.