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Goh XX, Tang PY, Tee SF. Meta-analysis of soluble tumour necrosis factor receptors in severe mental illnesses. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 165:180-190. [PMID: 37515950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF), as an innate immune defense molecule, functions through binding to TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) or TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2). Peripheral levels of soluble TNFR1 (sTNFR1) and soluble TNFR2 (sTNFR2) were widely measured in severe mental illnesses (SMIs) including schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) but inconsistencies existed. Hence, the present meta-analysis was conducted to identify the overall association between plasma/serum sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 levels and SMIs. Published studies were searched using Pubmed and Scopus. Data were analysed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2. Hedges's g effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were pooled using fixed-effect or random-effects models. Heterogeneity, publication bias and study quality were assessed. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Our findings revealed that sTNFR1 level was significantly higher in SMI, particularly in BD. The sTNFR2 level significantly elevated in SMI but with smaller effect size. These findings further support the association between altered immune system and inflammatory abnormalities in SMI, especially in patients with BD. Subgroup analysis showed that younger age of onset, longer illness duration and psychotropic medication raised both sTNFR levels, especially sTNFR1, as these factors may contribute to the activation of inflammation. Future studies were suggested to identify the causality between TNFR pathway and SCZ, BD and MDD respectively using homogenous group of each SMI, and to determine the longitudinal effect of each psychotropic medication on TNFR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Xin Goh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000, Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Pek Yee Tang
- Department of Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000, Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Shiau Foon Tee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000, Kajang, Malaysia.
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2
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Selected Biomarkers of Depression: What Are the Effects of Cytokines and Inflammation? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010578. [PMID: 36614020 PMCID: PMC9820159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the leading mental illnesses worldwide and lowers the quality of life of many. According to WHO, about 5% of the worldwide population suffers from depression. Newer studies report a staggering global prevalence of 27.6%, and it is rising. Professionally, depression belonging to affective disorders is a psychiatric illness, and the category of major depressive disorder (MDD) comprises various diagnoses related to persistent and disruptive mood disorders. Due to this fact, it is imperative to find a way to assess depression quantitatively using a specific biomarker or a panel of biomarkers that would be able to reflect the patients' state and the effects of therapy. Cytokines, hormones, oxidative stress markers, and neuropeptides are studied in association with depression. The latest research into inflammatory cytokines shows that their relationship with the etiology of depression is causative. There are stronger cytokine reactions to pathogens and stressors in depression. If combined with other predisposing factors, responses lead to prolonged inflammatory processes, prolonged dysregulation of various axes, stress, pain, mood changes, anxiety, and depression. This review focuses on the most recent data on cytokines as markers of depression concerning their roles in its pathogenesis, their possible use in diagnosis and management, their different levels in bodily fluids, and their similarities in animal studies. However, cytokines are not isolated from the pathophysiologic mechanisms of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Their effects are only a part of the whole pathway.
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Hazeltine DB, Polokowski AR, Reigada LC. Inflammatory Cytokines, but Not Dietary Patterns, Are Related to Somatic Symptoms of Depression in a Sample of Women. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:822466. [PMID: 35651828 PMCID: PMC9149097 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.822466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is a heterogenous disorder with both cognitive and somatic symptom dimensions that may differentially relate to systemic inflammation. Diet, which has the potential to modulate both inflammation levels and mood, is yet to be studied within the context of individual depression dimensions. This study examined the associations between inflammatory cytokines and dietary patterns with depressive symptom dimension profiles among a sample of women recruited in a non-clinical setting. Methods Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), inflammatory diet (Diet Inflammatory Index; DII), and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II; BDI-II) were measured in 136 females (M age = 22.01 ± 4.02, range 18-59 years). Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate the relationships between inflammatory cytokines and diet with self-reported cognitive, somatic, and total depressive symptoms, adjusting for demographic factors. Results Findings showed that increased somatic dimension scores were positively associated with IL-6 (ß = 0.273, p = 0.002) and TNF-α (ß = 0.215, p = 0.017), but not inflammatory diet (p = 0.300). Total BDI-II scores were only positively associated with IL-6 (ß = 0.221, p = 0.012), and cognitive dimension scores were not associated with any inflammation measures. Conclusions These findings contribute to existing evidence that inflammatory cytokines are associated with the somatic symptoms of depression. Inflammatory diet index was not associated with depression measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Belden Hazeltine
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
- Program in Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ashley Rose Polokowski
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
- Program in Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
- Psycho-Oncology, Monter Cancer Center, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Laura Christine Reigada
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
- Program in Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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Kim HJ, Kim HR, Jin JC, Han DH, Kim SM. Body Mass Index and Somatic Symptom Severity in Patients with Somatic Symptom Disorder: The Mediating Role of Working Memory. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 19:361-366. [PMID: 33888665 PMCID: PMC8077058 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.2.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective In somatic symptom disorder (SSD), cognitive dysfunction is related to perceptive distortion that excessively amplifies bodily sensations. The association between high body mass index (BMI) and cognitive dysfunction could be attributed to underlying systemic inflammation. We aimed to evaluate whether patients with SSD and high BMI exhibit increased somatic symptom severity and whether this is mediated by cognitive dysfunction. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 patients with SSD (20 males/34 females, mean age ± standard deviation 40.65 ± 13.23 years). Participants’ BMI, laboratory data including complete blood count and lipid profile, results from the Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV, and scores of the Korean-Symptom Checklist 95-Somatization (SCL95-SOM) were analyzed. We performed a path analysis to evaluate BMI as a predictor of somatic symptoms. Results In a path analysis, the SCL95-SOM score was directly influenced by working memory (b = −0.326, p = 0.032), which was significantly influenced by BMI (b = −0.338, p = 0.009), although there was no direct effect of BMI on the SCL95-SOM score. The path analytic model showed a close fit to the data with the following values c2 (df) = 0.918 (1), p = 0.338, root mean square error of approximation = 0.000 (< 0.001), and comparative fit index = 1.00. Conclusion Patients with SSD and high BMI may exhibit increased somatic symptom severity, and this is mediated by working memory dysfunction. Weight management may help improve symptoms in patients with SSD and high BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Ri Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Chan Jin
- Department of Social Welfare, Graduate School of Soongsil University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doug Hyun Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Mi Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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5
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Osimo EF, Pillinger T, Rodriguez IM, Khandaker GM, Pariante CM, Howes OD. Inflammatory markers in depression: A meta-analysis of mean differences and variability in 5,166 patients and 5,083 controls. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 87:901-909. [PMID: 32113908 PMCID: PMC7327519 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The magnitude and variability of cytokine alterations in depression are not clear. OBJECTIVE To perform an up to date meta-analysis of mean differences of immune markers in depression, and to quantify and test for evidence of heterogeneity in immune markers in depression by conducting a meta-analysis of variability to ascertain whether only a sub-group of patients with depression show evidence of inflammation. DATA SOURCES Studies that reported immune marker levels in peripheral blood in patients with depression and matched healthy controls in the MEDLINE database from inception to August 29th 2018 were examined. STUDY SELECTION Case-control studies that reported immune marker levels in peripheral blood in patients with depression and healthy controls were selected. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Means and variances (SDs) were extracted for each measure to calculate effect sizes, which were combined using multivariate meta-analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hedges g was used to quantify mean differences. Relative variability of immune marker measurements in patients compared with control groups as indexed by the coefficient of variation ratio (CVR). RESULTS A total of 107 studies that reported measurements from 5,166 patients with depression and 5,083 controls were included in the analyses. Levels of CRP (g = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.50-0.92; p < 0.0001); IL-3 (g = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.31-0.89; p < 0.0001); IL-6 (g = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.39-0.82; p < 0.0001); IL-12 (g = 1.18; 95%CI: 0.74-1.62; p < 0.0001); IL-18 (g = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.00-2.95; p < 0.0001); sIL-2R (g = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.44-0.98; p < 0.0001); and TNFα (g = 0.54; 95%CI: 0.32-0.76; p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients with depression. These findings were robust to a range of potential confounds and moderators. Mean-scaled variability, measured as CVR, was significantly lower in patients with depression for CRP (CVR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.75-0.98; p = 0.02); IL-12 (CVR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.46-0.80; p < 0.01); and sIL-2R (CVR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.73-0.99; p = 0.04), while it was unchanged for IL-3, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF α. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Depression is confirmed as a pro-inflammatory state. Some of the inflammatory markers elevated in depression, including CRP and IL-12, show reduced variability in patients with depression, therefore supporting greater homogeneity in terms of an inflammatory phenotype in depression. Some inflammatory marker elevations in depression do not appear due to an inflamed sub-group, but rather to a right shift of the immune marker distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele F. Osimo
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Toby Pillinger
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Golam M. Khandaker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carmine M. Pariante
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK,National Institute for Health Research, Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK,The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Oliver D. Howes
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK,Corresponding author at: MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK.
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Euteneuer F, Neubert M, Salzmann S, Unruh I, von Eitzen L, Wilhelm M. Der Einfluss von kognitiver Verhaltenstherapie auf biologische Risikofaktoren kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen bei der Major Depression: Eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit. VERHALTENSTHERAPIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1159/000505275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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7
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Inflammation and the dimensions of depression: A review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100800. [PMID: 31654681 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Patients with depressive disorders show a wide range of clinical manifestations including cognitive and neurovegetative symptoms. Importantly, these symptoms can differ in terms of biological etiology, and deconstructing depression into specific symptoms may provide valuable insight into the underlying neurobiology. Little research has examined inflammation in the context of depressive dimensions. Here we conduct a narrative review of the existing literature (21 studies) to elucidate whether the depression-inflammation link is symptom specific. Overall, there is evidence that an association exists between neurovegetative symptoms of depression and inflammation, independent of cognitive symptoms. The same cannot be said of cognitive symptoms and inflammation. There is also some evidence of gender differences in the directionality of the relationship between depression and inflammation. Potential explanations for these findings, limitations of the existing literature and recommendations for future research design are discussed.
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8
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Chaves-Filho AJM, Macedo DS, de Lucena DF, Maes M. Shared microglial mechanisms underpinning depression and chronic fatigue syndrome and their comorbidities. Behav Brain Res 2019; 372:111975. [PMID: 31136774 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In 2011, it was reviewed that a) there is a strong co-occurrence between major depression and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with fatigue and physio-somatic symptoms being key symptoms of depression, and depressive symptoms appearing during the course of CFS; and b) the comorbidity between both disorders may in part be explained by activated immune-inflammatory pathways, including increased translocation of Gram-negative bacteria and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1. Nevertheless, the possible involvement of activated microglia in this comorbidity has remained unclear. This paper aims to review microglial disturbances in major depression, CFS and their comorbidity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed / MEDLINE database to identify studies, which are relevant to this current review. Depressed patients present neuroinflammatory alterations, probably related to microglial activation, while animal models show that a microglial response to immune challenges including lipopolysaccharides is accompanied by depressive-like behaviors. Recent evidence from preclinical studies indicates that activated microglia have a key role in the onset of fatigue. In chronic inflammatory conditions, such as infections and senescence, microglia orchestrate an inflammatory microenvironment thereby causing fatigue. In conclusion, based on our review we may posit that shared immune-inflammatory pathways and especially activated microglia underpin comorbid depression and CFS. As such, microglial activation and neuro-inflammation may be promising targets to treat the overlapping manifestations of both depression and CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano José Maia Chaves-Filho
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Danielle S Macedo
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - David Freitas de Lucena
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
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9
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Morgan JA, Singhal G, Corrigan F, Jaehne EJ, Jawahar MC, Baune BT. Exercise related anxiety-like behaviours are mediated by TNF receptor signaling, but not depression-like behaviours. Brain Res 2018; 1695:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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10
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Misiak B, Beszłej JA, Kotowicz K, Szewczuk-Bogusławska M, Samochowiec J, Kucharska-Mazur J, Frydecka D. Cytokine alterations and cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder: From putative mechanisms to novel treatment targets. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 80:177-188. [PMID: 28433456 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence indicates the involvement of immune-inflammatory processes in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Peripheral cytokine alterations serve as one of most consistently reported indices of subthreshold inflammatory state observed in MDD. Although cytokines cannot pass directly through the blood-brain barrier, a number of transport mechanisms have been reported. In addition, peripheral cytokines may impact central nervous system via downstream effectors of their biological activity. Animal model studies have provided evidence that cytokines might impact cognitive performance through direct and indirect effects on long-term potentiation, neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that cytokine alterations might contribute to cognitive impairment that is widely observed in MDD and persists beyond episodes of acute relapse in the majority of patients. Although several studies have provided that peripheral cytokine alterations might be related to cognitive deficits in patients with MDD, the quality of evidence still leaves much to be desired due to methodological heterogeneity and limitations. In this article, we provide an overview of studies investigating the association between peripheral cytokine alterations and cognitive performance in MDD, discuss underlying mechanisms and neural substrates. Finally, we propose possible treatment targets related to cytokine alterations taking into account existing evidence for antidepressant efficacy of anti-inflammatory pharmacological treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Jan Aleksander Beszłej
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Kotowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Jerzy Samochowiec
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, 26 Broniewski Street, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Kucharska-Mazur
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, 26 Broniewski Street, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
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11
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Li M, Kouzmina E, McCusker M, Rodin D, Boutros PC, Paige CJ, Rodin G. Cytokines and depression in cancer patients and caregivers. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:2903-2911. [PMID: 29238195 PMCID: PMC5713706 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s144774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A better understanding of the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying depression in cancer is required to translate biomarker findings into clinical interventions. We tested for associations between cytokines and the somatic and psychological symptoms of depression in cancer patients and their healthy caregivers. PATIENTS AND METHODS The GRID Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D) was administered to 61 cancer patients of mixed type and stage, 26 primary caregivers and 38 healthy controls. Concurrently, blood was drawn for multiplexed plasma assays of 15 cytokines. Multiple linear regression, adjusted for biobehavioral variables, identified cytokine associations with the psychological (Ham-Dep) and somatic (Ham-Som) subfactors of the Ham-D. RESULTS The Ham-Dep scores of cancer patients were similar to their caregivers, but their Ham-Som scores were significantly higher (twofold, p=0.016). Ham-Som was positively associated with IL-1ra (coefficient: 1.27, p≤0.001) in cancer patients, and negatively associated with IL-2 (coefficient: -0.68, p=0.018) in caregivers. Ham-Dep was negatively associated with IL-4 (coefficient: -0.67, p=0.004) in cancer patients and negatively associated with IL-17 (coefficient: -1.81, p=0.002) in caregivers. CONCLUSION The differential severity of somatic symptoms of depression in cancer patients and caregivers and the unique cytokine associations identified with each group suggests the potential for targeted interventions based on phenomenology and biology. The clinical implication is that depressive symptoms in cancer patients can arise from biological stressors, which is an important message to help destigmatize the development of depression in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Li
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ekaterina Kouzmina
- Informatics & Biocomputing Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Megan McCusker
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Rodin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Informatics & Biocomputing Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J Paige
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Rodin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Department of Supportive Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Euteneuer F, Dannehl K, Del Rey A, Engler H, Schedlowski M, Rief W. Peripheral Immune Alterations in Major Depression: The Role of Subtypes and Pathogenetic Characteristics. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:250. [PMID: 29218020 PMCID: PMC5703704 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression has been associated with peripheral inflammatory processes and alterations in cellular immunity. Growing evidence suggests that immunological alterations may neither be necessary nor sufficient to induce depression in general, but seem to be associated with specific features. Using baseline data from the Outcome of Psychological Interventions in Depression trial, this exploratory study examines associations between depression subtypes and pathogenetic characteristics (i.e., melancholic vs non-melancholic depression, chronic vs non-chronic depression, age of onset, cognitive-affective and somatic symptom dimensions) with plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and numbers of leukocyte subpopulations in 98 patients with major depression (MD) and 30 age and sex-matched controls. Patients with MD exhibited higher CRP levels, higher neutrophil and monocyte counts, lower IL-10 levels, and an increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) than controls. Patient with later age of onset had higher levels of two inflammatory markers (CRP, NLR) and lower cytotoxic T cell counts after adjusting for sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, and antidepressants. Furthermore, lower anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels were related to more severe somatic depressive symptoms. These results confirm and extend previous findings suggesting that increased levels of CRP are associated with a later onset of depression and demonstrate that also NLR as a subclinical inflammatory marker is related to a later onset of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Euteneuer
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Dannehl
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Adriana Del Rey
- Research Group Immunophysiology, Division of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Harald Engler
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Winfried Rief
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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13
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Poudel-Tandukar K, Jacelon CS, Bertone-Johnson ER, Palmer PH, Poudel KC. Serum zinc concentrations and depression in persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection: The positive living with HIV (POLH) study. Psychiatry Res 2016; 241:340-6. [PMID: 27255158 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Low levels of serum zinc concentrations and depression are common in persons infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Low levels of serum zinc concentrations may increase risk of depression in general population. However, research on the role of zinc in depression among HIV- infected person is limited. We assessed the association between serum zinc concentrations and depression in HIV-infected persons. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 311 HIV-positive people (177 men and 134 women) aged 18-60 years residing in Kathmandu, Nepal. The atomic absorption method was used to measure serum zinc concentrations and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-Ia method was used to measure depression, with cut off score 20 or higher consistent with clinically significant depression. Relationships were assessed using multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. Serum zinc concentrations were significantly inversely associated with depression in all participants and in men but not in women. Participants with the highest tertile of serum zinc concentrations had a significantly decreased risk of depression in men but not in women. Serum zinc concentrations were inversely associated with depressive symptoms scores in HIV-infected men. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the role of zinc in depression among persons infected with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia S Jacelon
- College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Bertone-Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Paula H Palmer
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Krishna C Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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14
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Bai YM, Su TP, Li CT, Tsai SJ, Chen MH, Tu PC, Chiou WF. Comparison of pro-inflammatory cytokines among patients with bipolar disorder and unipolar depression and normal controls. Bipolar Disord 2015; 17:269-77. [PMID: 25257835 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research evidence has shown that bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar depression (UD) are both related to inflammatory dysregulation, but few studies have compared the levels of cytokines between these two disorders. METHODS Study subjects were age- and gender-matched outpatients with BD or UD and normal controls (NC). Severities of depression and mania symptoms were assessed with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 (sTNF-R1), soluble p-selectin receptor (sP-selectin), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), were assessed in all subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS In all, 130 patients with BD, 149 patients with UD, and 130 NC were enrolled in the study; 67.6% were female and the average age was mean ± standard deviation (SD) 43.5 ± 11.8 years. The BD group had a significantly higher smoking rate, more medical comorbidity, higher body mass index (BMI), and higher levels of sIL-2R, sIL-6R, CRP, sTNF-R1, and MCP-1 (all p < 0.01) than the UD and NC groups. When the remitted patients with BD (YMRS scores ≤ 12) were compared with the patients with UD, controlling for age, MADRS score, smoking, medical comorbidity, and BMI in the regression model, the results showed that the BD group had significantly higher levels of sIL-6R (p < 0.001), CRP (p = 0.045), sTNF-R1 (p = 0.036), and MCP-1 (p = 0.001) than the UD group. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of sIL-6R, CRP, sTNF-R1, and MCP-1 were noted in BD than in UD. These results may suggest a more severe inflammatory dysregulation in BD. Further studies are required to investigate whether these cytokines could be biomarkers for affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University
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15
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Matsushima J, Kawashima T, Nabeta H, Imamura Y, Watanabe I, Mizoguchi Y, Kojima N, Yamada S, Monji A. Association of inflammatory biomarkers with depressive symptoms and cognitive decline in a community-dwelling healthy older sample: a 3-year follow-up study. J Affect Disord 2015; 173:9-14. [PMID: 25462389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between the pathophysiology of dementia and neuroinflammation is well-known. The number of reports stating that depression is a risk factor for dementia has recently been increasing. These epidemiological findings suggest the possibility that both depression and dementia have common pathophysiological backgrounds of neuroinflammation. METHODS The sample consists of 64 non-demented community-dwelling older participants aged 65 years or over. Participants were assessed at baseline (2004-2006) and 3 years later (2007-2009). Plasma concentration of markers of inflammation (interleukins (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) were measured at baseline. Depression symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and cognitive decline was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT) at baseline and follow-up. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender and years of education. RESULTS In the cross-sectional analysis, the present study found soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) to be associated only with the MMSE score at baseline in men. In the longitudinal analysis, none of our inflammatory biomarkers were associated with either depressive symptoms or cognitive decline. LIMITATIONS The present study consists of small number of participants and body mass index (BMI) scores were not obtained. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that sIL-2R is associated with current cognitive function in men. None of our inflammatory markers predicted future depressive state or cognitive decline in our community-dwelling healthy older sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Matsushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
| | - Toshiro Kawashima
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Hiromi Nabeta
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshiomi Imamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan; Institute of Comparative Studies of International Cultures and Societies, Kurume University, Fukuoka 839-8502, Japan
| | - Itaru Watanabe
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan; Ureshino Onsen Hospital, Saga 843-0301, Japan
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | | | | | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan.
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16
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Euteneuer F, Schwarz MJ, Schmidmaier R, Hennings A, Riemer S, Stapf TM, Selberdinger VB, Süssenbach P, Dannehl K, Rief W. Blunted exercise-induced mobilization of monocytes in somatization syndromes and major depression. J Affect Disord 2014; 166:156-64. [PMID: 25012425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research indicates that physical activity may alter the number of immune cells. We examined whether increasing or decreasing the level of physical activity affects circulating lymphocyte and monocyte counts in patients with somatization syndromes and patients with major depression. METHODS Thirty-eight participants with major depression, 26 participants with somatization syndromes and 47 healthy controls participated in the study. Using an experimental within-subject design, participants were involved in 1 week of increased physical activity (daily exercise sessions) and 1 week of reduced physical activity. Counts of total lymphocytes, lymphocyte subsets and monocytes were determined before and after each trial. Linear mixed models adjusted for sex, body mass index, age, fitness status and the order of trials were used for longitudinal data analysis. RESULTS One week of exercise increases the number of monocytes in healthy controls (p<.05), but not in patients with somatization syndromes or patients with major depression. In addition, after 1 week of exercise, depressive symptoms were reduced in patients with major depression (p<.05) while somatoform symptoms were reduced (p<.05) in both clinical groups. Baseline comparisons and mixed models indicated reduced T helper cell counts in patients with somatization syndromes. LIMITATIONS Relatively small sample size. The time of physical activity was relatively short and restricted to low-graded exercise. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a blunted mobilization of monocytes by exercise in both patients with somatization syndromes and patients with major depression. In addition, even one week of exercise reduces somatoform and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Euteneuer
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Markus J Schwarz
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Schmidmaier
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilian Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Anika Hennings
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riemer
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany
| | - Theresa M Stapf
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Süssenbach
- Division of Psychological Methods, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Dannehl
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany
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17
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Bai YM, Chiou WF, Su TP, Li CT, Chen MH. Pro-inflammatory cytokine associated with somatic and pain symptoms in depression. J Affect Disord 2014; 155:28-34. [PMID: 24176538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than two-thirds of depressed patients complain of somatic and pain symptoms, which are frequently regarded as a psychological reaction. Although there is a growing body of evidence showing that depression is related to immune abnormalities, few studies have investigated the association between inflammatory cytokines and somatic/pain symptoms. METHOD Patients with depressive disorder but without any medical disorders, and age/gender/body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. All the subjects completed the self-rating scales of the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale, which was comprised of depressive, somatic, and pain subscales. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), soluble interleukin 6 receptor (sIL-6R), soluble TNF-receptors (sTNF-R), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and adiponectin, were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS In all, 109 patients with depressive disorder and 126 normal controls were enrolled. The patients with depressive disorder had significantly more severe depression, somatic and pain symptoms (all p<0.001), and higher levels of sIL-2R (p<0.0001), sTNF-R (p<0.001), and sP-selectin (p=0.005) than the normal control group. Using multivariate regression analysis with controlling of age, gender, BMI, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, sIL-2R was the most significant predictor for depressive symptoms (p<0.0001); with further controlling of severity of depressive symptom, sP-selectin was the only predictor for somatic (p=0.002) and pain (p=0.059) symptoms. CONCLUSION The elevated sP-selectin associated with somatic symptoms in depression, may indicate early micro-vascular changes occur subtly, and provide neurobiological evidence for somatic and pain symptom in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Fei Chiou
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Life Science, National Taitung University, Taitung, Taiwan; Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Ping Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ta Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Dannehl K, Rief W, Schwarz MJ, Hennings A, Riemer S, Selberdinger V, Stapf T, Euteneuer F. The predictive value of somatic and cognitive depressive symptoms for cytokine changes in patients with major depression. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2014; 10:1191-7. [PMID: 25061304 PMCID: PMC4085300 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s61640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines have been hypothesized as an important factor in the pathophysiology of depression. Depression itself is considered to be a heterogeneous disorder. Current findings suggest that "cognitive" and "somatic" symptom dimensions are related to immune function in different ways. So far, little research has been done on the longitudinal aspects of inflammation in patients with major depression, especially with respect to different symptom dimensions of depression. Therefore, we investigated which aspects of depression may predict changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6 over 4 weeks. METHODS Forty-one patients with major depression diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), and 45 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum measurements of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were conducted at baseline and 4 weeks later. Psychometric measures included the assessment of cognitive-affective depressive symptoms and somatic symptoms during the last 7 days as well as somatic symptoms during the last 2 years. RESULTS Patients with depression showed increased levels of TNF-alpha (P<0.05) compared to healthy controls. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that neither depressive nor somatic symptoms predict changes in proinflammatory cytokines in the whole sample of depressed patients. Moderation analyses and subsequent sex-stratified regression analyses indicated that higher somatoform symptoms during the last 2 years significantly predict an increase in TNF-alpha in women with major depression (P<0.05) but not in men. Exploratory analyses indicated that the stability of TNF-alpha and IL-6 (as indicated by intraclass correlation coefficients) over 4 weeks was high for TNF-alpha but lower for IL-6. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that a history of somatoform symptoms may be important for predicting future changes in TNF-alpha in women with major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dannehl
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus J Schwarz
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Annika Hennings
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riemer
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Theresa Stapf
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilian Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Euteneuer
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Swardfager W, Herrmann N, Mazereeuw G, Goldberger K, Harimoto T, Lanctôt KL. Zinc in depression: a meta-analysis. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 74:872-8. [PMID: 23806573 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zinc is an essential micronutrient with diverse biological roles in cell growth, apoptosis and metabolism, and in the regulation of endocrine, immune, and neuronal functions implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. This study sought to quantitatively summarize the clinical data comparing peripheral blood zinc concentrations between depressed and nondepressed subjects. METHODS PubMed, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO were searched for original peer-reviewed studies (to June 2012) measuring zinc concentrations in serum or plasma from depressed subjects (identified by either screening or clinical criteria) and nondepressed control subjects. Mean (±SD) zinc concentrations were extracted, combined quantitatively in random-effects meta-analysis, and summarized as a weighted mean difference (WMD). RESULTS Seventeen studies, measuring peripheral blood zinc concentrations in 1643 depressed and 804 control subjects, were included. Zinc concentrations were approximately -1.85 µmol/L lower in depressed subjects than control subjects (95% confidence interval: [CI]: -2.51 to -1.19 µmol/L, Z17 = 5.45, p < .00001). Heterogeneity was detected (χ(2)17 = 142.81, p < .00001, I(2) = 88%) and explored; in studies that quantified depressive symptoms, greater depression severity was associated with greater relative zinc deficiency (B = -1.503, t9 = -2.82, p = .026). Effect sizes were numerically larger in studies of inpatients (WMD -2.543, 95% CI: -3.522 to -1.564, Z9 = 5.09, p < .0001) versus community samples (WMD -.943, 95% CI: -1.563 to -.323, Z7 = 2.98, p = .003) and in studies of higher methodological quality (WMD -2.354, 95% CI: -2.901 to -1.807, Z7 = 8.43, p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Depression is associated with a lower concentration of zinc in peripheral blood. The pathophysiological relationships between zinc status and depression, and the potential benefits of zinc supplementation in depressed patients, warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Swardfager
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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