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Depression is one of the most common disorders causing mortality around the world. Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is, along with antidepressants and psychotherapy, one of the three major treatments of depression, it is still considered as the last resort for depressed patients. This situation is partially due to limited studies and uncertainty regarding its mechanism. However, decades of increased research have focused on the effects of ECT on depression and its potential mechanism. Furthermore, these investigations may suggest that ECT should be a first-line therapy for depression due to its profound effects in relieving desperation in certain situations. Here, we outline recent clinical and preclinical studies and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of ECT. Thus, this review may provide some hints for clinical application., (Copyright © 2020 Li, Yao, Sun, Zhao, Xu, Zhao, Zhao, Zou, Cheng, Li, Yang and Cui.)

Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF 4 ), a member of the family of zinc-finger transcription factors, is widely expressed in range of tissues that play multiple functions. Emerging evidence suggest KLF 4 's critical regulatory effect on the neurophysiological and neuropathological processes of Alzheimer's disease (AD), indicating that KLF 4 might be a potential therapeutic target of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we will summarize relevant studies and illuminate the regulatory role of KLF 4 in the neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, axon regeneration and iron accumulation to clarify KLF 4 's status in the pathogenesis of AD.