376 | id == 376
376 | category_id == 23
376 | category_order == 20
376 | category_name == Depression
376 | category_color == #C47AC0
376 | slug == MEF2C-depression
376 | title == Genetic Link Between Brain Function & Depression (MEF2C)
376 | meta_description == The MEF2C gene is crucial for brain development and mental health. Click to learn about its link with depression.
376 | summary == <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>Scientists have uncovered a genetic link between brain development, cognition &amp; mental health. This post explains the correlation between the MEF2C gene and depression and gives you gene-based recommendations!</strong></p>
376 | overall_score_text == Your Depression Score (Based on MEF2C Gene)
376 | image == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/background/MEF2C-Depression.jpg
376 | author_id == 9
376 | author_name == Aleksa Ristic
376 | author_title == MS (Pharmacy)
376 | author_order == 45
376 | author_photo == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/author-photo/Aleksa.jpg
376 | author_intro == <p><strong>Aleksa received his MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade, his master thesis focusing on protein sources in plant-based diets.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>    <p>Aleksa is passionate about herbal pharmacy, nutrition, and functional medicine. He found a way to merge his two biggest passions&mdash;writing and health&mdash;and use them for noble purposes. His mission is to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, helping readers improve their health and feel better.</p>
376 | reviewer == None
376 | medical_reviewer_id == 11
376 | medical_reviewer_name == Puya Yazdi
376 | medical_reviewer_title == MD
376 | publish_date == 2020
376 | publish_date == 10
376 | publish_date == 2
376 | avg_rating == 5.0
376 | tags_id == 460
376 | tags_name == Brain Development
376 | tags_id == 13
376 | tags_name == Cognition
376 | tags_id == 763
376 | tags_name == Depression
376 | tags_id == 764
376 | tags_name == MEF2C gene
376 | tags_id == 716
376 | tags_name == Mental Health
376 | permissions_favorite == False
376 | permissions_rate == False
376 | content_article == <h2><strong>Summary</strong></h2> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;"><strong>The MEF2C gene is crucial for brain development, cognition, and mental health.</strong></span><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;"><strong>Variants in this correlate with depression and other mental health and cognitive issues.</strong></span><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;"><strong>Our gene-based recommendations may prevent and reduce depressive symptoms by targeting your MEF2C variants.</strong></span></p> <h2><strong>The Role of MEF2C in Brain Function and Mental Health</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="../../../gene/mef2c/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">MEF2C</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene enables nerve functions and development in the brain. It influences cognition and mental health by suppressing excitatory (stimulatory) neurotransmitters [</span><a href="https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MEF2C"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18599438/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This gene&rsquo;s product is a member of the Mef2 family of proteins. In adults, they help manage the </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/factors-counteract-stress-response/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">stress response</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in nerve cells and, possibly, blood vessels [</span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17959722/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mutations and smaller variants in this gene have been associated with various </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/health-benefits-sleep/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sleep</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, mental health, and developmental disorders [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18599438/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25056061/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/28604731"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The MEF2C gene is crucial for brain functions and development. Variants in this gene influence sleep, cognition, mental health, and more.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Your MEF2C Results for Depression</strong></h2> <p>*4635141940970922*&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Primary SNP:</strong></p> <p><a href="../../../snp/rs6882046/"><strong>rs6882046</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/29942085"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25826379/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; - associated with higher odds of depression</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; - not associated with depression</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>Other important SNPs:</strong></p> <p><a href="../../../snp/rs2304607/"><strong>rs2304607</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/29942085"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25826379/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; - associated with higher odds of depression</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; - not associated with depression</span></li> </ul> <p><a href="../../../snp/rs409645/"><strong>rs409645</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/29662059"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ebi.ac.uk/gwas/publications/30643256"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; - associated with higher odds of depression</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; - not associated with depression</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The MEF2C variants may also hinder cognitive function and sleep quality. Their negative effects on cognition and mental health likely stem from impaired nerve function and increased excitatory transmitters [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18599438/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5966823/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/28604731"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p>*3962883172810549*</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Recommendations to Reduce Depression</strong></h2> <p>*1123656870701026*</p> <h3><strong>Lifestyle</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Exercise</strong></h4> <p><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/top-14-proven-health-benefits-exercise-references-mechanisms/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Exercise</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can activate the MEF2 proteins in muscles [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC125719/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16368714/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. It also supports the MEF2C gene indirectly by enhancing cognitive function, nerve development, and sleep quality [</span><a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-essr/Fulltext/2002/04000/Exercise_Enhances_and_Protects_Brain_Function.6.aspx"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="http://www.neurology.org/content/86/20/1897"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11573026"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People who exercise regularly have lower rates of </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/natural-treatments-depression/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">depression</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Those with a history of depression are at a lower risk of relapse if they maintain physical fitness [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16439008"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20174982"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16639173"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aerobic exercise and resistance training have powerful benefits for mental health and depression [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22786489"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26978184"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Regular exercise can prevent and reduce depression by targeting your MEF2C variants.</span></p> <h3><strong>Diet</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Magnesium-Rich Foods</strong></h4> <p><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/21-proven-science-based-reasons-magnesium-amazing-including-drawbacks/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Magnesium</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> deficiency correlates with a higher risk of depression and suicide [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23950577"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25748766"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Magnesium may work by blocking excitatory neurotransmitters, which is crucial for people with MEF2C variants [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23950577"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. At the same time, magnesium supports nerve functions and sleep quality [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6024559/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212970/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best food sources of magnesium are&nbsp; [</span><a href="http://www.racgp.org.au/afpbackissues/2005/200508/200508woolhouse.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="http://jn.nutrition.org/content/144/1/55.long"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Leafy green vegetables</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Legumes (especially soy)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nuts (almonds, cashews)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pumpkin seeds</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whole grains</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meat and seafood</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Eat a variety of magnesium-rich foods to reduce the negative impact of your gene variants on mental health and brain function.</span></p> <h3><strong>Supplements</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Magnesium</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A few medical case studies have reported rapid improvements in depression, </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/natural-treatments-anxiety/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">anxiety</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and sleep within one week of magnesium supplementation in people with major depression [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to clinical trials, magnesium supplementation may improve depressive symptoms in people with postpartum depression, premenstrual syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and</span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-real-heres-test/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">chronic fatigue syndrome</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542786"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2067759"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19271419"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1672392"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">If you can&rsquo;t obtain enough magnesium from a balanced diet, consider taking a supplement.</span></p> <h4><strong>N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)</strong></h4> <p><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/nac-mental-health/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NAC</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may target the MEF2C variants and reduce depression by [</span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27137430"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25004186"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23341476"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reducing excitatory transmitters such as </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/glutamate/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">glutamate</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Protecting the nerves against </span><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/natural-ways-lower-inflammation/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">inflammation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/oxidative-stress-101/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">oxidative stress</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boosting the </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/ways-increase-neurogenesis/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">growth of new brain cells</span></a></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to one clinical review, NAC can reduce depressive symptoms from different health conditions and improve overall daily functioning within 3-6 months of use [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27137430"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In patients with clinical depression, NAC improved mood after 3-4 months [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28318471"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25004186"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) may reduce depressive symptoms and protect the brain by targeting your MEF2C variants.</span></p>
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376 | content_learn_more_3962883172810549_text == Based on the variants we looked at, your MEF2C gene is associated with slightly higher odds of depression. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect your overall risk of depression, just one gene related to it. Regular exercise and magnesium-rich foods may prevent and reduce depression by targeting your gene variants. Keep reading to learn more.
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rsIDs = rs2304607,rs6882046,rs409645
rsStatus = rs2304607,LINC00461,chr5,88692916,A,G,,,30,0,Normal
rsStatus = rs6882046,LINC00461,chr5,88673046,A,G,,,15,15,HET
rsStatus = rs409645,MEF2C-AS2,chr5,88709437,G,A,,,20,15,HET
