Based on our findings, we hypothesize that patients with comorbid DNP and MDD have elevated P2X7 receptor expression in the DRGs, spinal cord, and hippocampus, and treatment with DHM or P2X7 receptor shRNA to inhibit P2X7 receptor expression can alleviate the symptoms of comorbid DNP and MDD. This evidence concerns the gene P2RX7 and major depressive disorder.