In this chapter we review the interactions of oxidative and nitrosative stress
(O&NS), immune-inflammation, tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs) and suboptimal
mitochondrial functioning in driving changes in the melatonergic pathways in major
depressive disorder (MDD). We propose that such interactive biological processes
provide a framework for the development of a number of novel pharmaceutical and
nutriceutical treatment targets, with relevance to a classification of MDD that is based
on biological underpinnings rather than on subjective phenomenology.
Keywords: Inflammation, Major depressive disorder, Mitochondria, Nitrosative
stress, Oxidative stress, Tryptophan catabolites.
