Distinct association of plasma BDNF concentration and cognitive function in depressed patients treated with vortioxetine or escitalopram

Comparing the effect of fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline, on the level of BDNF and depression in preclinical and clinical studies: a systematic review

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) dysfunction is one of the most important mechanisms underlying depression. It seems that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improve depression via affecting BDNF level. In this systematic review, for the first time, we aimed to review the effect of three SSRIs including fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline, on both depression and BDNF level in preclinical and clinical studies. PubMed electronic database was searched, and 193 articles were included in this study. After reviewing all manuscripts, only one important difference was found: subjects. We found that SSRIs induce different effects in animals vs. humans. Preclinical studies showed many controversial effects, while human studies showed only two effects: improvement of depression, with or without the improvement of BDNF. However, most studies used chronic SSRIs treatment, while acute SSRIs were not effectively used and evaluated. In conclusion, it seems that SSRIs are reliable antidepressants, and the improvement effect of SSRIs on depression is not dependent to BDNF level (at least in human studies).

An insight into crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways contributing to the pathophysiology of PTSD and depressive disorders

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders represent two significant mental health challenges with substantial global prevalence. These are debilitating conditions characterized by persistent, often comorbid, symptoms that severely impact an individual's quality of life. Both PTSD and depressive disorders are often precipitated by exposure to traumatic events or chronic stress. The profound impact of PTSD and depressive disorders on individuals and society necessitates a comprehensive exploration of their shared and distinct pathophysiological features. Although the activation of the stress system is essential for maintaining homeostasis, the ability to recover from it after diminishing the threat stimulus is also equally important. However, little is known about the main reasons for individuals' differential susceptibility to external stressful stimuli. The solution to this question can be found by delving into the interplay of stress with the cognitive and emotional processing of traumatic incidents at the molecular level. Evidence suggests that dysregulation in these signalling cascades may contribute to the persistence and severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms. The treatment strategies available for this disorder are antidepressants, which have shown good efficiency in normalizing symptom severity; however, their efficacy is limited in most individuals. This calls for the exploration and development of innovative medications to address the treatment of PTSD. This review delves into the intricate crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways implicated in the development and manifestation of these mental health conditions. By unravelling the complexities of crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways, this review aims to contribute to the broader knowledge base, providing insights that could inform the development of targeted interventions for individuals grappling with the challenges of PTSD and depressive disorders.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Predictor of Treatment Response in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): A Systematic Review

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been studied as a biomarker of major depressive disorder (MDD). Besides diagnostic biomarkers, clinically useful biomarkers can inform response to treatment. We aimed to review all studies that sought to relate BDNF baseline levels, or BDNF polymorphisms, with response to treatment in MDD. In order to achieve this, we performed a systematic review of studies that explored the relation of BDNF with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Finally, we reviewed the evidence that relates peripheral levels of BDNF and BDNF polymorphisms with the development and management of treatment-resistant depression.

Association between increased serum interleukin-8 levels and improved cognition in major depressive patients with SSRIs

BACKGROUND

The effect of neuroinflammatory cytokines on cognitive deficits in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) can be altered by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This study aimed to examine serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels, cognitive function, and their associations in MDD patients with SSRIs.

METHODS

Thirty SSRI-treated MDD patients and 101 healthy controls were recruited for this study. We examined cognitive performance using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and serum IL-8 levels using the Human Inflammatory Cytokine Cytometric Bead Array in both cases and controls.

RESULTS

The RBANS test scores were significantly lower in MDD patients with SSRIs than in healthy controls after controlling for covariates (all p < 0.001). Serum levels of IL-8 were higher in MDD patients with SSRIs than in healthy controls after adjusting for covariates (F = 3.82, p = 0.05). Serum IL-8 levels were positively correlated with sub-scores of delayed memory (r = 0.37, p = 0.04) and visuospatial/constructional (r = 0.43, p = 0.02) in MDD patients with SSRIs but not in in healthy controls (delayed memory score: r = -0.12, p = 0.24; visuospatial/constructional score: r = 0.02, p = 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that increased serum IL-8 level might not only be involved in the MDD psychopathology or the use of SSRIs but also correspond to improving MDD delayed memory and visuospatial/constructional function.

Pharmacological targeting of cognitive impairment in depression: recent developments and challenges in human clinical research

Impaired cognition is often overlooked in the clinical management of depression, despite its association with poor psychosocial functioning and reduced clinical engagement. There is an outstanding need for new treatments to address this unmet clinical need, highlighted by our consultations with individuals with lived experience of depression. Here we consider the evidence to support different pharmacological approaches for the treatment of impaired cognition in individuals with depression, including treatments that influence primary neurotransmission directly as well as novel targets such as neurosteroid modulation. We also consider potential methodological challenges in establishing a strong evidence base in this area, including the need to disentangle direct effects of treatment on cognition from more generalised symptomatic improvement and the identification of sensitive, reliable and objective measures of cognition.