Bai S, Guo W, Feng Y, et al. - Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to test the safety and effectiveness of anti-inflammatory agents for patients with major depressive disorders. Literature was searched to identify potentially relevant RCTs up to 1 January 2019. In the quantitative analysis, 30 RCTs with 1,610 candidates were involved. Compared with placebo, the overall analysis pooling of 26 of the RCTs suggested that anti-inflammatory agents decreased depressive symptoms. In the group receiving anti-inflammatory agents, higher response and remission rates were observed than in those receiving placebo. Subgroup analysis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, omega-3 fatty acids, statins, and minocyclines revealed important antidepressant effects for major depressive disorder (MDD), respectively. No difference was found in changes in depression severity between groups for women-only trials. Findings suggested that anti-inflammatory agents play an antidepressant role in MDD patients and are reasonably safe. The only significant differences between groups in the treatment periods were gastrointestinal events.