Neuroprotective effects and therapeutic potential of transcorneal electrical stimulation for depression

Wing Shan Yu, So Hyun Kwon, Stephen Kugbere Agadagba, Leanne Lai Hang Chan, Kah Hui Wong, Lee Wei Lim*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as a non‐invasive neuromodulation approach that exerts neuroprotection via diverse mechanisms, including neurotrophic, neuro-plastic, 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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2492
JournalCells
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antidepressant
  • Depression
  • Neuromodulation
  • Neuroprotection
  • TES
  • Transcorneal electrical stimulation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neuroprotective effects and therapeutic potential of transcorneal electrical stimulation for depression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this