Depression and peripheral inflammatory profile of patients with obesity

Improving hemodialysis patient depression outcomes with acupuncture: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as a supplementary treatment for mild to moderate depression in hemodialysis patients.

METHOD

This multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-masked trial included 64 hemodialysis patients aged 18-75 divided into two groups. One group received genuine acupuncture, while the other received sham acupuncture over 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores; an inclusion criterion was HAMD scores of 10-23. Secondary outcomes included life quality improvements and changes in biochemical markers, such as serum albumin and hemoglobin levels. To assess the predictive effects of acupuncture treatment and biochemical parameters on depressive symptoms, a multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Following acupuncture treatment, HAMD scores significantly decreased, quality of life scores improved, and biochemical indicators (serum albumin, hemoglobin, transferrin, and total protein levels) showed some improvement, indicating the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating depressive symptoms and enhancing overall health in hemodialysis patients. Multivariable regression analysis showed that acupuncture treatment (P = 0.004) and serum albumin levels (P = 0.03) were significant predictors of improvement in depressive symptoms, with an adjusted R2 of 0.45, indicating that the model explained 45 % of the variance in symptom improvement. Other biochemical indicators, such as hemoglobin, transferrin, and total protein, did not show significant predictive effects (P > 0.05). No serious adverse events were observed during the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture is a safe and effective adjunct therapy for alleviating mild to moderate depression in hemodialysis patients. Acupuncture treatment and certain biochemical indicators (such as serum albumin) have significant predictive value for improving depressive symptoms.

Exploring the use of immunomethylomics in the characterization of depressed patients: A proof-of-concept study

Alterations in DNA methylation and inflammation could represent valid biomarkers for the stratification of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study explored the use of DNA-methylation based immunological cell-type profiles in the context of MDD and symptom severity over time. In 119 individuals with MDD, DNA-methylation was assessed on whole blood using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC 850 k BeadChip. Quality control and data processing, as well as cell type estimation was conducted using the RnBeads package. The cell type composition was estimated using epigenome-wide DNA methylation signatures, applying the Houseman method, considering six cell types (neutrophils, natural killer cells (NK), B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and monocytes). Two cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) and hsCRP were quantified in serum. We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis on the six estimated cell-types and tested the differences between these clusters in relation to the two cytokines and hsCRP, depression severity at baseline, and after 6 weeks of treatment (celecoxib/placebo + vortioxetine). We performed a second cluster analysis with cell-types and cytokines combined. ANCOVA was used to test for differences across clusters. We applied the Bonferroni correction. After quality control, we included 113 participants. Two clusters were identified, cluster 1 was high in CD4+ cells and NK, cluster 2 was high in CD8+ T-cells and B-cells, with similar fractions of neutrophils and monocytes. The clusters were not associated with either of the two cytokines and hsCRP, or depression severity at baseline, but cluster 1 showed higher depression severity after 6 weeks, corrected for baseline (p = 0.0060). The second cluster analysis found similar results: cluster 1 was low in CD8+ T-cells, B-cells, and IL-1β. Cluster 2 was low in CD4+ cells and natural killer cells. Neutrophils, monocytes, IL-6 and hsCRP were not different between the clusters. Participants in cluster 1 showed higher depression severity at baseline than cluster 2 (p = 0.034), but no difference in depression severity after 6 weeks. DNA-methylation based cell-type profiles may be valuable in the immunological characterization and stratification of patients with MDD. Future models should consider the inclusion of more cell-types and cytokines for better a prediction of treatment outcomes.

The association between cytokines and cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder and controls

BACKGROUND

Cognitive dysfunction is a symptom of depression (MDD). While the involvement of the immune system has long been suggested to contribute to the biological underpinnings of depression, less is known about the underpinnings of cognitive dysfunction. A recent genome-wide association study pointed to genes related to immune function to be relevant for cognitive processes in depression. However, only a few studies have explored immune proteins in blood in MDD who also suffer from cognitive dysfunction. In this study we investigate associations between cognitive impairment and cytokines using a comprehensive cognitive test battery and a broad cytokine assay.

METHODS

124 patients with MDD and 69 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. To assess cognition, RBANS was used, which measures immediate and delayed memory, visual-spatial functions, language and attention. Moreover, six cytokines (IL-8, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10; TNF-alpha and IL-12p70) were recorded. Associations were examined by regression analyses with age, sex, education, country, group and symptom severity as covariates.

RESULTS

There is an exploratory tendency that higher cytokine levels (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70) are associated with mostly lower cognition ("language", "visual-constructional", "attention" and "total score"). After conservative, corrected interpretation, interleukins were not statistically significant associated with poorer cognitive function.

LIMITATIONS

Despite a large sample, the unbalanced sample size is a limitation. For future studies, it is advisable to match participants based on age and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive dysfunction could be associated with specific cytokines that underpin the contribution of the immune system, but further research is necessary.

Neuropathological implication of high blood bilirubin in patients and model rats with depression

PURPOSE

Elevated bilirubin levels have been associated with major depressive disorder (MDD); however, the exact impact of bilirubin on MDD and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we explored the influence of bilirubin on MDD and sought to identify the mechanisms via which bilirubin induces depressive-like behavior.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty patients who were diagnosed with MDD and received treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were included, with 43 healthy volunteers serving as controls. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using Hamilton depression rating scale-24 (HAMD-24) and the Hamilton anxiety rating scale. Serum concentrations of total bilirubin (TBIL) and indirect bilirubin (IBIL) were measured at baseline and after treatment using an automated biochemical analyzer. The connection between clinical symptoms and TBIL or IBIL was examined using Pearson correlation. Chronic restraint stress (CRS) was employed to generate a rat model of depression. TBIL, IBIL in rat serum were measured by ELISA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents in rat hippocampal tissues were quantified by flow cytometry. The levels of microglial markers and the extent of neuronal damage in the rat hippocampus were assessed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.

RESULTS

Serum TBIL and IBIL levels were higher in patients with MDD than in the healthy controls. After treatment with SSRIs, the serum levels of TBIL and IBIL in MDD patients were significantly reduced. The levels of TBIL and IBIL were associated with HAMD-24 in MDD patients. Compared with the controls, the serum levels of TBIL, IBIL and the hippocampal ROS contents were elevated in CRS-exposed rats. Fluoxetine lowered inflammatory factor levels, mitigated oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a possible correlation between elevated serum bilirubin and depressive symptoms. Increases in ROS levels, along with neuronal damage, may represent pathological mechanisms underlying MDD.

Better understanding of c-reactive protein and leukocytes in psychiatric inpatients with affective disorders: A biopsychosocial approach

BACKGROUND

Affective disorders (AD) have been linked to inflammatory processes, although the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are still not fully elucidated. It is hypothesized that demographic, somatic, lifestyle, and personality variables predict inflammatory parameters in AD.

AIM

To identify biopsychosocial factors contributing to inflammation in AD measured with two parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytes.

METHODS

This observational study investigated 186 hospital inpatients diagnosed with AD using demographic parameters, serum inflammatory markers, somatic variables, psychological questionnaires, and lifestyle parameters. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to predict inflammatory markers from demographic, somatic, lifestyle, and personality variables.

RESULTS

Analyses showed that 33.8% of the variance of CRP was explained by body mass index and other somatic medication (e.g. anti-diabetics), age and education, and age of affective disorder diagnosis. For leukocytes, 20.1% of the variance was explained by smoking, diet, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Other psychiatric or behavioural variables did not reach significance.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic components seem important, with mounting evidence for a metabolic affective disorder subtype. Lifestyle modifications and psychoeducation should be employed to prevent or treat MetS in AD.

The association between depressive symptoms and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: Is body mass index a moderator?

Objective

Depression and obesity are highly comorbid conditions with shared biological mechanisms. It remains unclear how depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) interact in relation to inflammation. This cross-sectional study investigated the independent associations of depressive symptoms and BMI with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as well as the moderating role of BMI on the depressive symptoms-hs-CRP association.

Methods

Participants (n = 8827) from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were aged ≥20 with a BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2, completed the Depression Screener, and had hs-CRP data. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze hs-CRP in relation to depressive symptoms and BMI. An interaction term was included to examine whether the depressive symptoms-hs-CRP relationship differs depending on BMI.

Results

There was a slight, albeit non-significant, increase in hs-CRP levels with each one-point increase in depressive symptoms (aCoef.Estm. = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.05, 0.06, p = 0.754). Participants with overweight (aCoef.Estm. = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.61, 1.53, p < 0.001) or obese (aCoef.Estm. = 3.51, 95% CI = 3.04, 3.98, p < 0.001) BMIs had higher mean hs-CRP levels than those with a healthy BMI. There were no significant interactions between depressive symptoms and overweight (aCoef.Estm. = 0.04, 95% CI = -0.04, 0.13, p = 0.278) or obese (aCoef.Estm. = 0.11, 95% CI = -0.01, 0.22, p = 0.066) BMI indicating a lack of difference in the depressive symptoms-hs-CRP association across participants in the healthy versus overweight and obese ranges.

Conclusions

This study suggests that BMI might not act as a moderator in the association between depressive symptoms and hs-CRP. Results should be replicated in larger samples. Further research is warranted to understand underlying mechanisms.

Explaining how childhood physical abuse and physical neglect influence adult depression: An analysis with multiple sequential mediators

BACKGROUND

Substantial evidence indicates that experiencing physical abuse and neglect during childhood significantly elevates the likelihood of developing depression in adulthood. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding the mechanisms underpinning this correlation.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to examine the associations of childhood physical abuse and physical neglect with depression using follow-up data from UK Biobank and quantified the contribution of smoking, insomnia, and BMI in these associations.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS

This study included 144,704 participants (64,168 men and 80,536 women) from UK Biobank, most of whom were white (97 %).

METHODS

Physical abuse and physical neglect were measured using two items of Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS). Data on the incidence of depression were obtained from primary care, hospital inpatient records, self-reported medical conditions, and death registries. We used a sequential mediation analysis based on the "g-formula" approach to explore the individual and joint effects of potential mediators.

RESULTS

The depression incidence rate was 1.85 per 1000 person-years for men and 2.83 per 1000 person-years for women, respectively. Results of Cox proportional risk regression showed that physical abuse (HRs: 1.39-1.53, P < 0.001) and physical neglect (HRs: 1.43-1.60, P < 0.001) are associated with depression. Smoking, insomnia, and BMI together mediated 3 %-26 % of the associations.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings contribute to our understanding of how physical abuse and physical neglect influence depression. Furthermore, a more effective reduction in the burden of depression can be achieved by managing modifiable mediators.

Are There Biological Correlates of Response to Yoga-Based Interventions in Depression? A Critical Scoping Review

Depression is the most common mental disorder worldwide. Both antidepressants and psychotherapy are effective in treating depression, but the response to these treatments is often incomplete. Yoga-based interventions (YBIs) have been advocated by some researchers as a promising form of alternative treatment for depression. Recent research has attempted to identify the biological mechanisms associated with the antidepressant actions of YBIs. In this scoping review, conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve research on biomarkers of response to YBIs in patients with depression. These studies were also critically reviewed to evaluate their methodological quality and any sources of bias. Nineteen studies were included in the review. Based on these studies, there is preliminary evidence that YBIs may be associated with increased serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and reduced serum cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with depression. However, many of these changes were also observed in the control arms, and the overall quality of the research was low. At present, it cannot be concluded that there are reliable biomarkers of response to YBIs in depression, though there are some potential biological correlates. Further advances in this field will depend critically on improvements in study design, particularly the minimization of sources of bias and the selection of more specific and sensitive biomarkers based on existing evidence from other treatment modalities.

Cytokine and Microbiome Changes in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa at Admission, Discharge, and One-Year Follow-Up

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder that predominantly affects females and typically manifests during adolescence. There is increasing evidence that serum cytokine levels are altered in individuals with AN. Previous research has largely focused on adult patients, assuming a low-grade pro-inflammatory state. The serum levels of the cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-15, which are pro-inflammatory, were examined in 63 female adolescents with AN and 41 age-matched healthy controls (HC). We included three time points (admission, discharge, and 1-year follow-up) and investigated the clinical data to assess whether the gut microbiota was associated with cytokine alterations. Relative to the HC group, serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly lower during the acute phase (admission) of AN. IL-1β expression was normalised to control levels after weight recovery. TNF-α levels were not significantly different between the AN and HC groups. IL-15 levels were significantly elevated in patients with AN at all time points. We found associations between cytokines and bodyweight, illness duration, depressive symptoms, and the microbiome. In contrast to most findings for adults, we observed lower levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 in adolescent patients, whereas the level of IL-15 was consistently increased. Thus, the presence of inflammatory dysregulation suggests a varied rather than uniform pro-inflammatory state.

Inflammation and weight change related to neurocognitive and functional impairment in diabetes and psychiatric disorders

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a global pandemic associated with various cardio-metabolic and psychiatric disorders. Neurocognitive and functional deficits have been associated with several somatic and psychiatric disorders. Adiposity-related inflammation has recently emerged as a key risk factor for neurocognitive and functional impairments. This prospective transdiagnostic study aimed to investigate the role of adiposity-related inflammatory markers in neurocognitive and functional outcomes associated with weight changes.

METHODS

Peripheral blood inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and neurocognitive and functional performance were assessed twice over 1 year in 165 individuals, including 30 with schizophrenia, 42 with bipolar disorder, 35 with major depressive disorder, 30 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and 28 healthy controls. Participants were stratified by body mass index into categories of type 2 obesity (T2OB; n=30), type 1 obesity (T1OB; n=42), overweight (OW; n=53), and average weight (NW; n=40). Mixed one-way analysis of covariance and linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Compared with NW, T2OB and T1OB were significantly associated with impaired neurocognitive and functional performance (p<0.01; η2p=0.06-0.12) and higher levels of C-reactive protein and platelets (PLT) (p<0.01; η2p=0.08-0.16), with small-to-moderate effect sizes. IL-6, IL-10, and PLT were key factors for detecting significant weight changes in T1OB and T2OB over time. Regression models revealed that inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and cellular adhesion molecules were significantly associated with neurocognitive and functional performance (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION

Obesity is characterized by neurocognitive and functional impairments alongside low-grade systemic inflammation. Adiposity-related inflammatory biomarkers may contribute to neurocognitive and functional decline in individuals with T2DM and psychiatric disorders. Our data suggest that these biomarkers facilitate the identification of specific subgroups of individuals at higher risk of developing obesity.

Increased regional body fat is associated with depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data obtained during 2011-2018

AIMS

The findings from previous epidemiological studies of the association between regional body fat and depressive symptoms have been unclear. We aimed to determine the association between the body fat in different regions and depressive symptoms based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

METHODS

This study included 3393 participants aged ≥ 20 years from the NHANES performed during 2011-2018. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The fat mass (FM) was measured in different regions using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine the total FM, trunk FM, arm FM, and leg FM. The FM index (FMI) was obtained by dividing the FM in kilograms by the square of the body height in meters. Weighted data were calculated in accordance with analytical guidelines. Linear logistic regression models were used to quantify the association between regional FMI and depressive symptoms. Univariate and stratified analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

The participants in this study comprised 2066 males and 1327 females. There were 404 (11.91%) participants with depressive symptoms, who were aged 40.89 ± 11.74 years and had a body mass index of 30.07 ± 7.82 kg/m². A significant association was found between total FMI and depressive symptoms. In the fully adjusted multivariate regression model, a higher total FMI (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-4.39) was related to a higher risk of depressive symptoms, while increased total FMI (β = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.65-2.44, p = 0.001), trunk FMI (β = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.04-1.10, p = 0.036), and arm FMI (β = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.33-1.59, p = 0.004) were significantly associated with PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) scores, whereas the leg FMI was not (p = 0.102). The weighted association between total FMI and depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between most of the subpopulations (all p values for interaction > 0.05). The risk of having depression was higher in individuals who were non-Hispanic Whites, smokers, drinkers, obese, and had diabetes and thyroid problems (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the population with a higher regional FMI is more likely to have depressive symptoms, especially in those who also have an increased total FMI. The association is more pronounced in individuals who are smokers, drinkers, obese, and have diabetes and thyroid problems.

Pterostilbene alleviates cafeteria diet-induced obesity and underlying depression in adolescent male Swiss albino mice and affects insulin resistance, inflammation, HPA axis dysfunction and SIRT1 mediated leptin-ghrelin signaling

Cafeteria diet (CD) model for in-vivo studies mimics the western diet having imbalanced nutritional value, high caloric-density and palatability. Uncontrolled eating leads to the development of childhood obesity, poor self-esteem and depression due to its effects on brain development. Herbal supplements are novel inclusion in the management of obesity and mental well-being. Pterostilbene (PTE) found in blueberries and Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood, is known to prevent obesity in invivo models. Adolescent Swiss albino male mice were fed on CD for 70 days and the development of obesity was assessed by gain in body weight, abdominal circumference. Forced swim and tail suspension test confirmed depression in CD fed mice. Obesity induced depressed (OID) mice were treated with PTE (10, 20, 40 mg/kg), standard antiobesity drug cetilistat (10 mg/kg), antidepressant fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Post treatment, PTE-treated mice showed reduction in BW and depression-like behavior analysed using paradigms such as sucrose preference, open field, marble burying, and resident intruder test in comparison to the CD group. Insulin resistance, lipid profile, antioxidant enzyme, inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, IL-6, TNF α) and cortisol levels were mitigated by PTE. It also restored normal cellular architecture of the brain and adipose tissue and increased the Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog1 (SIRT1), leptin and ghrelin receptors gene expression in the brain. Thus, it can be concluded that PTE might have inhibited OID like behavior in mice via inhibition of IR, modulating neuroinflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction and upregulating SIRT1 mediated leptin-ghrelin signaling.

Litter reduction-induced obesity promotes early depressive-like behavior and elevated prefrontal cortex GFAP expression in male offspring

AIMS

The present study was developed to investigate how litter reduction-induced obesity promotes early depressive-related behaviors in rodent offspring.

MAIN METHODS

We employed a standardized litter size reduction protocol, dividing litters into groups: normal litters (NL), consisting of six males and six females pups and small litters (SL), comprising two males and two females pups. Maternal behavior was monitored during the initial week of lactation. Subsequently, we assessed the pups for weight gain, locomotor activity, social play behavior, and performance in forced swimming test. We further evaluated the weights of retroperitoneal and perigonadal fat tissues, along with the expression of glial fibrillary acidic pprotein (GFAP) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the offspring.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results indicated that litter size reduction led to an increased the maternal behavior. In contrast, offspring from the SL group displayed greater weight gain and increased, retroperitoneal and perigonadal fat. Both male and female rodents in the SL group exhibited decreased social play behavior, and male offspring spent more time immobile during the forced swimming test, suggesting a depressive-like phenotype. Notably, we observed an increase in the GFAP expression in the prefrontal cortex of male rodents, with a trend toward increased expression in the hippocampus.

SIGNIFICANCE

Obesity may facilitate the development of early depressive-like behaviors, potentially associated with elevated GFAP expression in the prefrontal cortex.

Fatty acid intake and prevalence of depression among Brazilian graduates and postgraduates (CUME Study)

BACKGROUND

Dietary fatty acids are related to the development of several inflammatory-related diseases, which may include depression. So, the association between fatty acids, culinary oils and fat intake and depression in highly educated Brazilians was evaluated.

METHODS

Multicenter cross-sectional study using baseline data from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais. The diagnosis of depression was self-reported, and the daily intake of fatty acids was assessed using a 144-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

RESULTS

A total of 7157 participants (68.83 % women) with a median age of 33 years were included. The prevalence of depression was 12.60 % (N = 902). In the adjusted analyses, it was observed that individuals with the highest intake of omega-6 fatty acids (n-6) (OR: 1.36, 95 % CI 1.11-1.67) had a higher prevalence of depression. This increased n-6 intake was identified as a risk factor for depression only among male participants, while among overweight participants, higher n-6 intake was also positively associated with depression. Conversely, a higher ratio of polyunsaturated to monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids (PM/S) was also found to be positively associated with depression, but this association was observed only among non-overweight participants. No associations were found between the consumption of culinary oils or fats and depression.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional design limits the assessment of causality. The use of the FFQ can make estimates more difficult.

CONCLUSION

Higher consumption of n-6, and higher PM/S ratios were associated with depression, and individual factors can interfere. The mental health care policies should include specific nutritional strategies.

JAK-STAT signaling in inflammation and stress-related diseases: implications for therapeutic interventions

The Janus kinase-signal transducer and transcription activator pathway (JAK-STAT) serves as a cornerstone in cellular signaling, regulating physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation and stress. Dysregulation in this pathway can lead to severe immunodeficiencies and malignancies, and its role extends to neurotransduction and pro-inflammatory signaling mechanisms. Although JAK inhibitors (Jakinibs) have successfully treated immunological and inflammatory disorders, their application has generally been limited to diseases with similar pathogenic features. Despite the modest expression of JAK-STAT in the CNS, it is crucial for functions in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, making it relevant in conditions like Parkinson's disease and other neuroinflammatory disorders. Furthermore, the influence of the pathway on serotonin receptors and phospholipase C has implications for stress and mood disorders. This review expands the understanding of JAK-STAT, moving beyond traditional immunological contexts to explore its role in stress-related disorders and CNS function. Recent findings, such as the effectiveness of Jakinibs in chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, expand their therapeutic applicability. Advances in isoform-specific inhibitors, including filgotinib and upadacitinib, promise greater specificity with fewer off-target effects. Combination therapies, involving Jakinibs and monoclonal antibodies, aiming to enhance therapeutic specificity and efficacy also give great hope. Overall, this review bridges the gap between basic science and clinical application, elucidating the complex influence of the JAK-STAT pathway on human health and guiding future interventions.

Hybrid visualization-based framework for depressive state detection and characterization of atypical patients

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a global concern, with a significant number of people affected worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The rising prevalence of depression emphasizes the importance of early detection and understanding the origins of such conditions.

OBJECTIVE

This paper proposes a framework for detecting depression using a hybrid visualization approach that combines local and global interpretation. This approach aims to assist in model adaptation, provide insights into patient characteristics, and evaluate prediction model suitability in a different environment.

METHODS

This study utilizes R programming language with the Caret, ggplot2, Plotly, and Dalex libraries for model training, visualization, and interpretation. Data from the NHANES repository was used for secondary data analysis. The NHANES repository is a comprehensive source for examining health and nutrition of individuals in the United States, and covers demographic, dietary, medication use, lifestyle choices, reproductive and mental health data. Penalized logistic regression models were built using NHANES 2015-2018 data, while NHANES 2019-March 2020 data was used for evaluation at the global-specific and local level interpretation.

RESULTS

The prediction model that supports this framework achieved an average AUC score of 0.748 (95% CI: 0.743-0.752), with minimal variability in sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSION

The built-in prediction model highlights chest pain, the ratio of family income to poverty, and smoking status as crucial features for predicting depressive states in both the original and local environments.

Depression Predicts Cardiac Cachexia in Heart Failure Patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiac cachexia (CC) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in persons with heart failure (HF). Compared to the biological underpinning of CC, little is known about the psychological factors. Thus, the overarching objective of this study was to determine whether depression predicts the onset of cachexia at 6 months in patients with chronic HF.

METHODS

114 participants with a mean age of 56.7 ± 13.0 years, LVEF of 33.13 ± 12.30% and NYHA class III (48.0%) were assessed for depression using the PHQ-9. Body weight was measured at baseline and at 6 months. Patients who had ≥6% non-edematous unintentional weight loss were classified as cachectic. Univariate and logistic multivariate regression were used to examine the relationship between CC and depression, controlling for clinical and demographic variables.

RESULTS

Cachectic patients (11.4%) had significantly higher baseline BMI levels (31.35 ± 5.70 vs. 28.31 ± 4.73; p = .038), lower LVEF (mean = 24.50 ± 9.48 vs. 34.22 ± 12.18, p = .009), and depression scores (mean = 7.17 ± 6.44 vs. 4.27 ± 3.98, p = .049) when compared to their non-cachectic counterparts. In multivariate regression analysis, depression scores (β = 1.193, p = .035) and LVEF (β = .835, p = .031) predicted cachexia after controlling for age, gender, body mass index, VO2 max, and New York Heart Association class and accounted for 49% of the variance in Cardiac cachexia. When depression was dichotomized, depression and LVEF predicted 52.6% of the variance in CC.

CONCLUSION

Depression predicts CC in patients with HF. Additional studies are needed to expand the knowledge of the role of the psychological determinants of this devastating syndrome.

Association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with C-reactive protein in diverse Latinos: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

BACKGROUND

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation that has been associated with persistent depressive symptoms. Depression and anxiety are frequently associated with a chronic inflammatory state, yet the nature of this relationship has not been rigorously examined in diverse Hispanic/Latino populations. We aimed to study the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as comorbid presentations, with circulating high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in a large Latino cohort of diverse heritages. We hypothesized a significant positive associations of both anxiety and depressive symptoms and hsCRP levels and potential variations among the heritage groups.

METHODS

Depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. Serum hsCRP (hsCRP) levels of 15,448 participants (age 18 to 75 years; 52.3% women) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) were measured and categorized based on the established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reference values (< 1mg/L, low; 1-<3 mg/L, intermediate; ≥ 3mg/L, high).

RESULTS

Mean CES-D, STAI scores, and hsCRP levels were 7.0 (SD = 5.9), 17.0 (SD = 5.7), and 3.84 (SD = 7.85), respectively. Generalized linear modeling, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics revealed significant associations between depression (exp(β) = 1.12; p<0.01) and anxiety symptoms (exp(β) = 1.10; p<0.05) with continuous hsCRP levels. For categorical values of hsCRP, one SD increase in CES-D and STAI scores was associated with a 10% and 8% increase in the RRRs of high vs. low hsCRP, respectively. However, these relationships between CES-D or STAI and hsCRP were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for CVD risk factors and medications.

CONCLUSION

We found modest associations between anxiety and depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation measured by hsCRP among diverse Hispanics/Latinos that did not appreciably differ between heritage groups.

Eveningness chronotype and depressive affective temperament associated with higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in unipolar and bipolar depression

BACKGROUND

Several studies investigated the role of inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of mood disorders. The aim of our cross-sectional study is evaluating baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive-protein (hsCRP) levels in a cohort of unipolar and bipolar depressive inpatients, in relation with psychopathological, temperamental and chronotype features.

METHODS

Among 313 screened inpatients, we retrospectively recruited 133 moderate-to-severe depressive patients who were assessed for hsCRP levels, chronotype with Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and affective temperament with Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS).

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional and retrospective design of the study, the small sample size, the exclusion of hypomanic, maniac and euthymic bipolar patients.

RESULTS

hsCRP levels were significantly higher among those with previous suicide attempt (p = 0.05), death (p = 0.018) and self-harm/self-injury thoughts (p = 0.011). Linear regression analyses, adjusted for all covariates, demonstrated that higher scores at the TEMPS-M depressive, while lower scores at the hyperthymic and irritable affective temperaments [F = 88.955, R² = 0.710, p < 0.001] and lower MEQ scores [F = 75.456, R² = 0.405, p < 0.001] statistically significantly predicted higher hsCRP.

CONCLUSION

Eveningness chronotype and a depressive affective temperament appeared to be associated with higher hsCRP levels during moderate-to-severe unipolar and bipolar depression. Further longitudinal and larger studies should better characterise patients with mood disorders by investigating the influence of chronotype and temperament.

Affective neural circuits and inflammatory markers linked to depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with comorbid obesity

Although we have effective treatments for depression and anxiety, we lack mechanistic understanding or evidence-based strategies to tailor these treatments in the context of major comorbidities such as obesity. The current feasibility study uses functional neuroimaging and biospecimen data to determine if changes in inflammatory markers, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and neural circuit-based targets can predict depression and anxiety outcomes among participants with comorbid obesity. Blood and stool samples and functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained at baseline and 2 months, during the parent ENGAGE-2 trial. From 30 participants with both biospecimen and fMRI data, this subsample study explored the relationship among changes in inflammatory markers and fecal short-chain fatty acids and changes in neural targets, and their joint relationship with depression and anxiety symptoms. Bivariate and partial correlation, canonical correlation, and partial least squares analyses were conducted, with adjustments for age, sex, and treatment group. Initial correlation analyses revealed three inflammatory markers (IL-1RA, IL-6, and TNF-α) and five neural targets (in Negative Affect, Positive Affect, and Default Mode Circuits) with significantly associated changes at 2 months. Partial least squares analyses then showed that changes in IL-1RA and TNF-α and changes in three neural targets (in Negative Affect and Positive Affect Circuits) at 2 months were associated with changes in depression and anxiety symptoms at 6 months. This study sheds light on the plausibility of incorporation of inflammatory and gastrointestinal biomarkers with neural targets as predictors of depression and comorbid anxiety outcomes among patients with obesity.

Association between adiposity and emergent depressive symptoms in a 10-years prospective cohort of older adults: The EpiFloripa Aging study

BACKGROUND

The association between obesity and depressive symptoms has been described in the literature, but there is a scarcity of longitudinal data. This study aimed to verify the association between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference and the incidence of depressive symptoms over a 10-year follow-up in a cohort of older adults.

METHODS

Data from the first (2009-2010), second (2013-2014), and third (2017-2019) waves of the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study were used. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and classified in significant depressive symptoms for those with ≥6 points. The Generalized Estimating Equations model was used to estimate the longitudinal association between BMI and waist circumference and depressive symptoms across a 10-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The incidence of depressive symptoms (N = 580) was 9.9 %. The relationship between BMI and the incidence of depressive symptoms in older adults followed a U-shaped curve. Older adults with obesity had an incidence relative ratio of 76 % (IRR = 1.24, p = 0.035) for increasing the score of depressive symptoms after 10 years, compared to those with overweight. The higher category of waist circumference (Male: ≥102; Female: ≥88 cm) was associated with depressive symptoms (IRR = 1.09, p = 0.033), only in a non-adjusted analysis.

LIMITATIONS

Relatively high follow-up dropout rate; Few individuals in the underweight BMI category; BMI must be considered with caution because it does not measure only fat mass.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity was associated with the incidence of depressive symptoms when compared with overweight in older adults.

White matter integrity and pro-inflammatory cytokines as predictors of antidepressant response in MDD

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multifactorial, serious and heterogeneous mental disorder that can lead to chronic recurrent symptoms, treatment resistance and suicidal behavior. MDD often involves immune dysregulation with high peripheral levels of inflammatory cytokines that might have an influence on the clinical course and treatment response. Moreover, patients with MDD show brain volume changes as well as white matter (WM) alterations that are already existing in the early stage of illness. Mounting evidence suggests that both neuroimaging markers, such as WM integrity and blood markers, such as inflammatory cytokines might serve as predictors of treatment response in MDD. However, the relationship between peripheral inflammation, WM structure and antidepressant response is not yet clearly understood. The aim of the present review is to elucidate the association between inflammation and WM integrity and its impact on the pathophysiology and progression of MDD as well as the role of possible novel biomarkers of treatment response to improve MDD prevention and treatment strategies.

Connexin 43: An Interface Connecting Neuroinflammation to Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading chronic mental illness worldwide, characterized by anhedonia, pessimism and even suicidal thoughts. Connexin 43 (Cx43), mainly distributed in astrocytes of the brain, is by far the most widely and ubiquitously expressed connexin in almost all vital organs. Cx43 forms gap junction channels in the brain, which mediate energy exchange and effectively maintain physiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests the crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of MDD. Neuroinflammation is one of the most common pathological features of the central nervous system dysfunctions. Inflammatory factors are abnormally elevated in patients with depression and are closely related to nearly all links of depression. After activating the inflammatory pathway in the brain, the release and uptake of glutamate and adenosine triphosphate, through Cx43 in the synaptic cleft, would be affected. In this review, we have summarized the association between Cx43 and neuroinflammation, the cornerstones linking inflammation and depression, and Cx43 abnormalities in depression. We also discuss the significant association of Cx43 in inflammation and depression, which will help to explore new antidepressant drug targets.

Peripheral actions and direct central-local communications of melanocortin 4 receptor signaling

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), the most important monogenetic cause of human metabolic disorders, has been of great interest to many researchers in the field of energy homeostasis and public health. Because MC4R is a vital pharmaceutical target for maintaining controllable appetite and body weight for professional athletes, previous studies have mainly focused on the central, rather than the peripheral, roles of MC4R. Thus, the local expression of MC4R and its behavioral regulation remain unclear. In an attempt to shed light on different directions for future studies of MC4R signaling, we review a series of recent and important studies exploring the peripheral functions of MC4R and the direct physiological interaction between peripheral organs and central MC4R neurons in this article.

Neuroinflammatory Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosis and Prognosis: A TRACK-TBI Pilot Study

The relationship between systemic inflammation and secondary injury in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is complex. We investigated associations between inflammatory markers and clinical confirmation of TBI diagnosis and prognosis. The prospective TRACK-TBI Pilot (Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury Pilot) study enrolled TBI patients triaged to head computed tomography (CT) and received blood draw within 24 h of injury. Healthy controls (HCs) and orthopedic controls (OCs) were included. Thirty-one inflammatory markers were analyzed from plasma. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate discriminatory ability. AUC >0.7 was considered acceptable. Criteria included: TBI diagnosis (vs. OC/HC); moderate/severe vs. mild TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale; GCS); radiographic TBI (CT positive vs. CT negative); 3- and 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) dichotomized to death/greater relative disability versus less relative disability (GOSE 1-4/5-8); and incomplete versus full recovery (GOSE <8/ = 8). One-hundred sixty TBI subjects, 28 OCs, and 18 HCs were included. Markers discriminating TBI/OC: HMGB-1 (AUC = 0.835), IL-1b (0.795), IL-16 (0.784), IL-7 (0.742), and TARC (0.731). Markers discriminating GCS 3-12/13-15: IL-6 (AUC = 0.747), CRP (0.726), IL-15 (0.720), and SAA (0.716). Markers discriminating CT positive/CT negative: SAA (AUC = 0.767), IL-6 (0.757), CRP (0.733), and IL-15 (0.724). At 3 months, IL-15 (AUC = 0.738) and IL-2 (0.705) discriminated GOSE 5-8/1-4. At 6 months, IL-15 discriminated GOSE 1-4/5-8 (AUC = 0.704) and GOSE <8/ = 8 (0.711); SAA discriminated GOSE 1-4/5-8 (0.704). We identified a profile of acute circulating inflammatory proteins with potential relevance for TBI diagnosis, severity differentiation, and prognosis. IL-15 and serum amyloid A are priority markers with acceptable discrimination across multiple diagnostic and outcome categories. Validation in larger prospective cohorts is needed. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: NCT01565551.

Impact of Calorie-Restricted Cafeteria Diet and Treadmill Exercise on Sweet Taste in Diet-Induced Obese Female and Male Rats

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the sweet taste function in obese rats fed with a 30% calorie-restricted cafeteria diet (CAFR) and/or subjected to moderate treadmill exercise (12-17 m/min, 35 min, 5 days per week) for 9 weeks. A two-bottle preference test, a taste reactivity test, and a brief-access licking test were carried out when animals were aged 21 weeks; biometric and metabolic parameters were also measured along the interventions. Two separate experiments for females and males were performed. Behaviorally, CAF diet decreased sucrose intake and preference, as well as perceived palatability, in both sexes and decreased hedonic responses in males. Compared to the CAF diet, CAFR exerted a corrective effect on sweet taste variables in females by increasing sucrose intake in the preference test and licking responses, while exercise decreased sucrose intake in both sexes and licking responses in females. As expected, CAF diet increased body weight and Lee index and worsened the metabolic profile in both sexes, whereas CAFR diet ameliorated these effects mainly in females. Exercise had no noticeable effects on these parameters. We conclude that CAF diet might diminish appetitive behavior toward sucrose in both sexes, and that this effect could be partially reverted by CAFR diet in females only, while exercise might exert protective effects against overconsumption of sucrose in both sexes.

Repetitive negative thinking during pregnancy and postpartum: Associations with mental health, inflammation, and breastfeeding

INTRODUCTION

Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic feature that predicts increased mental health risks, inflammation, and reduced engagement in health promoting behaviors. Depression, anxiety, stress, inflammation, higher body mass index (BMI), and low engagement in health behaviors are associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy as well as postpartum. However, there is limited literature on the associations between RNT and these contributing factors in the perinatal period, an at-risk time during which women may benefit from clinical interventions directed at RNT.

METHODS

This study examined the contribution of RNT to inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6] and breastfeeding duration through mediating indicators of mental health and BMI. Behavioral and biological assessments occurred during late pregnancy as well as at 4-6 weeks, 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months postpartum.

RESULTS

RNT was positively associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress (ps ≤ .001) at each assessment timepoint, with the strongest associations observed at the pregnancy assessment and significant, but attenuated, associations during postpartum (ps < .01). In modeling of the association between RNT and IL-6, the indirect effect of BMI was significant at each timepoint (95%CIs 0.0013, 0.0052). Women with lower RNT exhibited longer breastfeeding duration (p = .02). These effects were not significantly mediated by mental health indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically meaningful relationships, in which RNT predicts mental health, inflammation, and health behavior engagement during pregnancy and postpartum were observed. Clinical interventions to reduce RNT may have unique benefits this time.

LIMITATIONS

Further research is warranted to determine if therapies to reduce RNT confer unique benefits for maternal and child health.

The influence of comorbid depression and overweight status on peripheral inflammation and cortisol levels

BACKGROUND

Depression and overweight are each associated with abnormal immune system activation. We sought to disentangle the extent to which depressive symptoms and overweight status contributed to increased inflammation and abnormal cortisol levels.

METHODS

Participants were recruited through the Wellcome Trust NIMA Consortium. The sample of 216 participants consisted of 69 overweight patients with depression; 35 overweight controls; 55 normal-weight patients with depression and 57 normal-weight controls. Peripheral inflammation was measured as high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) in serum. Salivary cortisol was collected at multiple points throughout the day to measure cortisol awakening response and diurnal cortisol levels.

RESULTS

Overweight patients with depression had significantly higher hsCRP compared with overweight controls (p = 0.042), normal-weight depressed patients (p < 0.001) and normal-weight controls (p < 0.001), after controlling for age and gender. Multivariable logistic regression showed that comorbid depression and overweight significantly increased the risk of clinically elevated hsCRP levels ⩾3 mg/L (OR 2.44, 1.28-3.94). In a separate multivariable logistic regression model, overweight status contributed most to the risk of having hsCRP levels ⩾3 mg/L (OR 1.52, 0.7-2.41), while depression also contributed a significant risk (OR 1.09, 0.27-2). There were no significant differences between groups in cortisol awakening response and diurnal cortisol levels.

CONCLUSION

Comorbid depression and overweight status are associated with increased hsCRP, and the coexistence of these conditions amplified the risk of clinically elevated hsCRP levels. Overweight status contributed most to the risk of clinically elevated hsCRP levels, but depression also contributed to a significant risk. We observed no differences in cortisol levels between groups.

C-reactive protein could predict the efficacy of SSRIs in clinical practice: A cohort study of large samples in the real world

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP) has been shown to predict antidepressant treatment outcomes in several trials, but they were limited to small-sample and strictly-restricted conditions. This study plans to verify if CRP can predict antidepressant efficacy in large samples in the real world.

METHODS

918 depressed patients who had tested CRP were included, then were followed up through their outpatient visits or by telephone to obtain information about their medication therapy (SSRIs, SNRIs, MT, NaSSA) and assess efficacy using the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale (CGII). Efficacy was classified as effective and ineffective and CRP was separated into the low CRP group (CRP <1 mg/L, n = 709) and the high CRP group (CRP ≥1 mg/L, n = 209).The efficacy was compared in different groups.

RESULTS

Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional regression model to analyze, it was discovered that SNRIs were more effective than SSRIs in treating patients with high CRP(HR = 1.652, p = 0.037,95 % CI:1.031-2.654), and SSRIs were more effective in treating patients with low CRP than those with high CRP (HR = 1.257, p = 0.047,95 % CI:1.003-1.574), while no difference in efficacy between the two groups was found in patients using SNRIs, MT, NaSSA.

LIMITATIONS

Small amounts of MT and NaSSA were included, and some factors that may affect CRP value have not been controlled.

CONCLUSION

CRP could predict the efficacy of SSRIs in the real world, depressed patients with high CRP may be more likely to respond poorly to SSRIs.

The association between overweight/obesity and poor cognitive function is mediated by inflammation in patients with major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

Cognitive dysfunction is a common and core feature of major depressive disorder (MDD). Evidences exerted a potentially harmful role of obesity and higher peripheral levels of inflammation in cognitive function, but few studies have explored whether markers of peripheral inflammation might mediate the association between overweight/obesity and deficits in cognitive function. Our study aimed to examine the cognitive function in MDD patients and clarify the effects of overweight/obesity and inflammatory cytokines on cognitive dysfunction in this population.

METHOD

We used a cross-sectional design in this study. A total of 265 patients with MDD were enrolled and divided into underweight, normal weight and overweight/obese groups. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was administered to measure the cognition. Plasma levels of nineteen cytokines were measured using high sensitivity multiplex bead-based assays.

RESULTS

We found overweight/obese MDD patients associated with higher plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-8, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β and worse performance in speed of processing and working memory. The mediation analysis found higher levels of IL-8 (direct: β = -0.591 (95 % Confidence Interval (CI): -1.0 to -0.2), P = 0.002; indirect: β = 0.060 (95 % CI.: 0.0-0.2), P = 0.032) and TNF-α (direct: β = -0.589 (95 % CI.: -1.0 to -0.2), P = 0.002; indirect: β = 0.059 (95 % CI.: 0.1-0.2), P = 0.037) were associated with more deficits in speed of processing, and partially mediated the relationship between body mass index and speed of processing.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that elevated inflammation might be one biological mechanism underlying the link between higher body mass and deficits in processing speed in patients with MDD.

The molecular pathophysiology of depression and the new therapeutics

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling disorder. Despite the many hypotheses proposed to understand the molecular pathophysiology of depression, it is still unclear. Current treatments for depression are inadequate for many individuals, because of limited effectiveness, delayed efficacy (usually two weeks), and side effects. Consequently, novel drugs with increased speed of action and effectiveness are required. Ketamine has shown to have rapid, reliable, and long-lasting antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant MDD patients and represent a breakthrough therapy for patients with MDD; however, concerns regarding its efficacy, potential misuse, and side effects remain. In this review, we aimed to summarize molecular mechanisms and pharmacological treatments for depression. We focused on the fast antidepressant treatment and clarified the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ketamine and its metabolites for the MDD treatment, along with a review of the potential pharmacological mechanisms, research challenges, and future clinical prospects.

Correlation of Body Mass Index and Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization

This study investigated the correlation of body mass index (BMI) and proinflammatory cytokine levels with hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization triggered by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Stem cell donors (n = 309) were recruited between August 2015 and January 2018 and grouped into four groups according to their BMI: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, n = 10), normal (18.5 kg/m2 ≦ BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 156), overweight (25 kg/m2 ≦ BMI < 30 kg/m2, n = 102), and obese (BMI ≧ 30 kg/m2, n = 41). The participants were then administered with five doses of G-CSF and categorized as good mobilizers (CD34 ≧ 180/μL, n = 15, 4.85%) and poor mobilizers (CD34 ≦ 25/μL, n = 14, 4.53%) according to the number of CD34+ cells in their peripheral blood after G-CSF administration. The correlation between BMI and HSC mobilization was then analyzed, and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the plasma from good and poor mobilizers were examined by ProcartaPlex Immunoassay. Results showed that BMI was highly correlated with G-CSF-triggered HSC mobilization (R2 = 0.056, p < 0.0001). Compared with poor mobilizers, good mobilizers exhibited higher BMI (p < 0.001) and proinflammatory cytokine [interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (p < 0.05), interleukin-22 (IL-22) (p < 0.05), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels (p < 0.05)]. This study indicated that BMI and proinflammatory cytokine levels are positively correlated with G-CSF-triggered HSC mobilization.

Binge eating disorder, frequency of depression, and systemic inflammatory state in individuals with obesity - A cross sectional study

Introduction

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder in individuals with obesity. Its association with factors that control hunger and satiety has not yet been elucidated. We evaluated whether levels of inflammatory markers, frequency of psychiatric comorbidities, and appetite-related hormones levels differ between individuals with obesity with and without BED.

Subjects and methods

The Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 - Clinician Version (SCID-5-CV), Binge Eating Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were evaluated in 39 individuals with obesity. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, ghrelin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were measured.

Results

Individuals of the BED group exhibited significantly higher percentages of altered eating patterns (hyperphagia, bingeing, post-dinner eating, feeling "stuffed", and emotional eating), higher depressive symptom scores and levels of leptin, CRP, and TNF-α, compared to those from the non-BED group. Logistic regression showed that BED was independently associated with depressive symptoms and CRP levels.

Conclusion

Individuals with obesity and BED showed greater psychiatric comorbidity, worse eating patterns and worse inflammatory profile than those without BED. BED should be assessed as an indicator of clinical severity in patients with obesity.

25(OH)D levels are decreased in patients with difficult-to-treat depression

Objectives

The aims of the study are i) to compare 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels between clinically depressed individuals with insufficient treatment response and healthy controls and ii) to test the association between 25(OH)D levels and different affective disorder diagnoses (i.e., major depressive disorder (MDD) single episode, MDD recurrent episode, chronic MDD, and dysthymia), as well as grade of suicidal ideation.

Method

We quantified serum 25(OH)D in 202 individuals with difficult-to-treat depression (DTD) and 41 healthy controls. Patients were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV-TR). ANCOVA was used to test differences in mean 25(OH)levels between depressed and controls, adjusting for sex, age, smoking, sampling season, ethnicity, somatic illness, and body mass index (BMI). Binary logistic regression models were used to test the association between depression and 25(OH)D levels.

Results

Patients with difficult-to-treat depression had significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D compared to healthy controls (ANCOVA, F = 4.89; p = 0.03). Thirty percent of the depressed patients were 25(OH)D deficient (<50 nmol/L) compared to 5% of the controls (Chi-squared test, χ2 = 11.38; p < 0.01). The odds for being depressed decreased significantly with 17% per 10 nmol/L increase of 25(OH)D (Binary logistic regression, p < 0.05).

Limitations

The cross-sectional design of the study precludes any conclusions about causality. A large part of the patients took psychotropic drugs and/or had somatic illnesses, which might have affected the results.

Conclusion

The results of the present study add to the body of evidence linking 25(OH)D deficiency and depression. Further investigations are warranted to better understand any clinical implications of this association.

Association between Lower-Body Strength, Health-Related Quality of Life, Depression Status and BMI in the Elderly Women with Depression

INTRODUCTION

Depression is currently the most prevalent mental illness in the world. It is a very frequent geriatric syndrome that causes a high degree of disability and increases mortality in the elderly population. This mental disorder is a social and public health problem that alters the quality of life (Qol) of the patient. Physical strength work has been reported to improve the clinical picture of people with depression.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between lower body strength, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression status and body mass index (BMI) in older women with depression.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive study with 685 elder women with depression.

RESULTS

A mild direct correlation (Rho = -0.29; p ≤ 0.001) between stand-ip test and EQ-5D-3L test was shown. There is a mild inverse correlation between stand-up test and six of fifteen items of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) (Rho item 1 = -0.24; p ≤ 0.001; item 4 = 0.11; p ≤ 0.001; item 5 = -0.20; p ≤ 0.001; item 7 = -0.15; p ≤ 0.001; item 11 = -0.19; p ≤ 0.001; item 13 = -0.21; p ≤ 0.001). Between Stand-Up test and BMI, the correlation is weak inverse (Rho = -0.20; p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant association of lower body strength with HRQoL, and BMI, as well as some variables of depression status in elder women with depression. Better scores in the stand-up test lead to an improvement in HRQoL and BMI. Therefore, stand-up test could be a complementary tool in public health for improve HRQoL in the elderly women with depression.

Probiotic supplementation alleviates absence seizures and anxiety- and depression-like behavior in WAG/Rij rat by increasing neurotrophic factors and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines

AIM

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic brain disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on absence epilepsy and anxiety-and depression-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Fourteen male WAG/Rij rats (absence-epileptic) and seven male Wistar rats (nonepileptic) were used. The effects of probiotic VSL#3 (12.86 bn living bacteria/kg/day for 30 day/gavage) on absence seizures, and related psychiatric comorbidities were evaluated in WAG/Rij rats. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by the open-field test and depression-like behavior by the forced swimming test. In addition, the brain tissues of rats were evaluated histopathologically for nerve growth factor [NGF], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], SRY sex-determining region Y-box 2 [SOX2] and biochemically for nitric oxide [NO], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] ,and Interleukin-6 [IL-6].

RESULTS

Compared to Wistar rats, WAG/Rij rats exhibited anxiety- and depression-like behavior, and had lower BDNF, NGF and SOX2 immunoreactivity, and higher TNF-α, IL-6 levels in brain tissue. VSL#3 supplementation reduced the duration and number of spike-wave discharges (SWDs) and exhibited anxiolytic or anti-depressive effect. VSL#3 supplement also increased the NGF immunoreactivity while decreasing IL-6, TNF-α and NO levels in WAG/Rij rat brain.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study showed that neurotrophins, SOX2 deficiency, and pro-inflammatory cytokines may play a role in the pathogenesis of absence epilepsy. Our data support the hypothesis that the probiotics have anti-inflammatory effect. The present study is the first to show the positive effects of probiotic bacteria on absence seizures and anxiety- and depression-like behavior.

Comparison of serum cytokines levels in normal-weight and overweight patients with first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal levels of blood cytokines have been demonstrated to be associated with both excess weight and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, few studies have addressed the direct effect of body mass index (BMI) on basal serum cytokines in individuals with first-episode drug-naïve MDD.

METHODS

A total of 49 patients with first-episode drug-naïve MDD were categorized into normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m²) and overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m²) groups according to WHO-criteria. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the 24-items Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24). A total of 37 cytokines were measured using Multiplex Luminex Assays. The scores of HAMD-24 and the levels of serum cytokines between normal weight group and overweight group were compared. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between abnormal serum cytokines levels and group after adjusting for HAMD-24 scores. The correlation between BMI and the scores of HAMD-24 and the levels of serum cytokines was evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The scores of HAMD-24 in overweight group were significantly higher than normal weight group (t = -2.930, P = 0.005). Moreover, the levels of IL-1α, IL-1RA, IL-3, CXCL10, TNF-α, and ICAM-1 in overweight patients with MDD were significantly higher than those in normal-weight patients with MDD (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, after adjustment for HAMD-24 scores, there was a significant correlation between abnormal serum cytokines levels (IL-1α, IL-1RA, IL-3, CXCL10, TNF-α, and ICAM-1) and group (all P < 0.05). Additionally, BMI was positively correlated to the serum levels of IL-1α (r = 0.428, P = 0.002), IL-3 (r = 0.529, P < 0.001), IL-6 (r = 0.285, P = 0.050), IL-10 (r = 0.423, P = 0.003), IL-12 (r = 0.367, P = 0.010), IL-15 (r = 0.300, P = 0.036), CXCL10 (r = 0.316, P = 0.030), TNF-α (r = 0.338, P = 0.021), and ICAM-1 (r = 0.440, P = 0.002) in MDD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide direct evidence, probably for the first time, that overweight may be associated with several serum cytokines in patients with first-episode drug-naïve MDD. The underlying mechanisms are unclear and require further investigation.

Effects of High-fat Diet and Chronic Mild Stress on Depression-like Behaviors and Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex of Rats

Obesity and depression tend to co-occur, and obese patients with chronic low-grade inflammation have a higher risk of developing depression. However, mechanisms explaining these connections have not been fully elucidated. Here, an animal model of comorbid obesity and depression induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used, and sucrose preference, open field, elevated plus maze and Morris water maze tests were used to detected depression-and anxiety-like behaviors and spatial memory. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB and microglial activation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were examined in the study. Our results revealed that the comorbidity group exhibited the most severe depression-like behavior. Obesity but unstressed rats had the highest serum lipid levels among groups. The HFD and CUMS alone and combination of them increased levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which was significantly related to depression-like behaviors. Further, NF-κB protein and mRNA levels and microglial activation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex significantly increased in stressed, obese and comorbid groups, with animals in comorbid group having the highest NF-κB mRNA levels in the hippocampus and level of NF-κB proteins in the prefrontal cortex, and the highest microglial activation in both brain areas. The study concluded that HFD and CUMS alone and combination induce depression-like symptoms, abnormal serum lipid levels, microglial activation and increased inflammatory cytokines in the brain, effects that are possibly mediated by TLR4-NF-κB signaling.

Lower serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines in adolescents with anorexia nervosa and their association with gut microbiota in a longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an often chronic and debilitating psychiatric disease whose etiology is not completely understood. Recently, a potential role of inflammation has emerged in other psychiatric diseases, such as depression, PTSD and schizophrenia. The first results in adults with AN seemed to confirm a low-grade proinflammatory state until recent studies presented more differential findings. Studying adolescents with a shorter illness duration and fewer confounding factors might help elucidate the role of inflammation in the underlying pathophysiology of AN; however, the few available studies in adolescents remain ambiguous, and no longitudinal data are available in this age range.

METHODS

We examined the proinflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-15, and the cytokine-receptor IL-6 Receptor alpha (IL-6 Rα) in the serum of twenty-two hospitalized female adolescent patients with AN longitudinally at admission and discharge and compared their results to nineteen healthy controls (HC). We also collected clinical data and stool samples that were analyzed with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to explore potential influencing factors of cytokine changes.

RESULTS

TNF-α serum levels were significantly elevated in patients with AN at admission, while IL-1β and IL-6 levels were lower at admission and discharge than in HC. After treatment, we also found significantly elevated levels of IL-6 Rα compared to HC, while IL-15 did not show significant changes. Exploratory analyses revealed positive associations of cytokine and genus-level changes between admission and discharge for IL-1β (Bacteroides) and IL-15 (Romboutsia), and negative associations for IL-15 (Anaerostipes) and TNF-α (uncultured Lachnospiraceae).

CONCLUSION

We confirmed a previous finding of elevated levels of TNF-α also in adolescents with AN; however, the reduced IL-1β and IL-6 levels differed from the mostly increased levels found in adults. A mixed pro- and anti-inflammatory state appears to be present in adolescents, potentially due to their shorter illness duration. The gut microbiota, with its regulatory function on cytokine production, might play a role in mediating these inflammatory processes in AN and could offer targets for new therapeutic approaches.

Interaction effect of serum serotonin level and age on the 12-week pharmacotherapeutic response in patients with depressive disorders

Despite the recognized antidepressant role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) signaling pathways in the central nervous system, the association between baseline peripheral 5-HT level and the antidepressant treatment response in clinical studies remains debatable. We investigated the interaction effects of baseline serum 5-HT level and age on the 12-week remission in outpatients with depressive disorders who received stepwise antidepressant treatment. Baseline serum serotonin levels were measured and the age of 1094 patients recorded. The patients received initial antidepressant monotherapy; then, patients with an insufficient response or who experienced uncomfortable side effects received alternative treatments every 3 weeks (3, 6, and 9 weeks). Subsequently, 12-week remission, defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score of ≤ 7, was evaluated. Individual and interaction effects of serum 5-HT level (as a binary [low vs. high, based on the median value of 72.6 ng/mL] or continuous variable) and age (as a binary [< 60 vs. ≥ 60 years] or continuous variable) on the 12-week remission rate were analyzed using logistic regression models after adjusting for relevant covariates. High 5-HT (≥ 72.6 ng/mL) and age ≥ 60 years were associated with the highest 12-week remission rates and a significant multiplicative interaction effect. The interaction effect of the two variables on the 12-week remission rate was significant even when analyzed as a continuous variable. Our study suggests that the association between baseline serum 5-HT level and 12-week antidepressant treatment outcomes differs according to patient age.

Elevated C-reactive protein levels across diagnoses: The first comparison among inpatients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder

OBJECTIVE

We addressed elevated C-reactive protein level (eCRP) specificity comparing, for the first time, eCRP (i.e., serum CRP > 3 and ≤10 mg/L) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We also assessed to what extent multiple variables that can potentially increase inflammation may have influenced eCRP in our sample.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study using information documented in the electronic medical records (EMRs) of patients hospitalized for a 4-week psychiatric rehabilitation program. We collected all information according to the standardized procedures of the hospital's clinical practice and applied a logistic regression model (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

We included 388 inpatients, that is, 156 (40.2%) with MDD, 135 (34.8%) with BD, and 97 (25.0%) with OCD, and found considerable eCRP rates among them (36.5%, 47.4%, and 29.9% in MDD, BD, and OCD, respectively) but without significant differences across groups. In the whole sample, eCRP variations were only partially attributable (approximately for one-third) to potential confounders. All groups presented considerable rates of cardiovascular risk factors, and we classified most patients as having medium or high CRP-based cardiovascular risk.

CONCLUSION

This first study comparing eCRP in MDD, BD, and OCD suggests that eCRP may be a transdiagnostic feature of different psychiatric disorders, and other mechanisms beyond the effects of multiple confounders may explain the presence of eCRP in a substantial portion of psychiatric patients. Therefore, we encourage the routine measurement of CRP in psychiatric clinical practice.

Gut hormones, adipokines, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines/markers in loss of control eating: A scoping review

Loss of control (LOC) eating is the defining feature of binge-eating disorder, and it has particular relevance for bariatric patients. The biomarkers of LOC eating are unclear; however, gut hormones (i.e., ghrelin, cholecystokinin [CCK], peptide YY [PYY], glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1], and pancreatic polypeptide [PP]), adipokines (i.e., leptin, adiponectin), and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines/markers (e.g., high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]) are candidates due to their involvement in the psychophysiological mechanisms of LOC eating. This review aimed to synthesize research that has investigated these biomarkers with LOC eating. Because LOC eating is commonly examined within the context of binge-eating disorder, is sometimes used interchangeably with subclinical binge-eating, and is the latent construct underlying disinhibition, uncontrolled eating, and food addiction, these eating behaviors were included in the search. Only studies among individuals with overweight or obesity were included. Among the identified 31 studies, 2 studies directly examined LOC eating and 4 studies were conducted among bariatric patients. Most studies were case-control in design (n = 16) and comprised female-dominant (n = 13) or female-only (n = 13) samples. Studies generally excluded fasting total ghrelin, fasting CCK, fasting PYY, and fasting PP as correlates of the examined eating behaviors. However, there was evidence that the examined eating behaviors were associated with lower levels of fasting acyl ghrelin (the active form of ghrelin) and adiponectin, higher levels of leptin and hsCRP, and altered responses of postprandial ghrelin, CCK, and PYY. The use of GLP-1 analog was able to decrease binge-eating. In conclusion, this review identified potential biomarkers of LOC eating. Future studies would benefit from a direct focus on LOC eating (especially in the bariatric population), using longitudinal designs, exploring potential mediators and moderators, and increased inclusion of the male population.

Depression in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of blood inflammatory markers

The prevalence of depression is higher among people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Individually, both conditions are associated with systemic inflammation. This study aimed to summarize the clinical data comparing peripheral inflammatory markers in blood between people with T2DM, with and without comorbid depression. From 2187 records, we identified 20 original peer-reviewed articles from which blood inflammatory marker concentrations could be combined and compared between people with T2DM and comorbid depression (D) vs. no depression (ND) as standardized mean differences (SMD) in random effects meta-analysis. Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP; ND/NND = 1742/15244, SMD = 0.31 95% confidence interval [0.16, 0.45], Z16 = 4.03, p < 0.01; I2 = 84.0%) and interleukin-6 (IL-6; ND/NND = 677/4349, SMD = 0.17 [0.04, 0.30], Z4 = 2.58, p = 0.01; I2 = 48.1%), were higher, and concentrations of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; ND/NND = 358/1512, SMD = -0.37 95% confidence interval [-0.64,-0.10], Z2 = -2.68, p = 0.01; I2 = 61.2%) were lower, among those with depression. Depression in T2DM was associated with systemic inflammation and lower peripheral blood BDNF concentrations. Inconsistency between studies suggests the need to explore further population heterogeneity and pathophysiological elements. PROSPERO (CRD42020188509).

Prolonged saturated, but not monounsaturated, high-fat feeding provokes anxiodepressive-like behaviors in female mice despite similar metabolic consequences

Obesity significantly increases the risk for anxiety and depression. Our group has recently demonstrated a role for nucleus accumbens (NAc) pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-B (NFkB) signaling in the development of anxiodepressive-like behaviors by diet-induced obesity in male mice. The NAc is a brain region involved in goal-oriented behavior and mood regulation whose functions are critical to hedonic feeding and motivation. While the incidence of depression and anxiety disorders is significantly higher in women than in men, the use of female animal models in psychiatric research remains limited. We set out to investigate the impact of chronic intake of saturated and monounsaturated high-fat diets (HFD) on energy metabolism and on anxiety- and despair-like behaviors in female mice and to ascertain the contribution of NAc NFkB-mediated inflammation herein.

Adult C57Bl6N female mice were fed either a saturated HFD, an isocaloric monounsaturated HFD or a control low-fat diet for 24 weeks, after which metabolic profiling and behavioral testing for anxiodepressive-like behaviors were conducted. Plasma was collected at time of sacrifice for quantification of leptin, inflammatory markers as well as 17 β-estradiol levels and brains were harvested to analyze NAc expression of pro-inflammatory genes and estrogen-signaling molecules. In another group of female mice placed on the saturated HFD or the control diet for 24 weeks, we performed adenoviral-mediated invalidation of the NFkB signaling pathway in the NAc prior to behavioral testing.

While both HFDs provoked obesity and metabolic impairments, only the saturated HFD triggered anxiodepressive-like behaviors and caused marked elevations in plasma estrogen. This saturated HFD-specific behavioral phenotype could not be explained by NAc inflammation alone and was unaffected by NAc invalidation of the NFkB signaling pathway. Instead, we found changes in the expression of estrogen signaling markers. Such results diverge from the inflammatory mechanisms underlying diet- and obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction and anxiodepressive-like behavior onset in male mice and call attention to the role of estrogen signaling in diet-related anxiodepressive-like phenotypes in female mice.

Difficulties in psychosocial functioning due to current depressive symptoms: What can C-Reactive protein tell us?

Background

Multiple empirical studies and meta-analyses have examined how inflammation may be associated with various aspects of major depression, with older adults being particularly at risk for the effects of inflammation-related depression. Despite this wide area of research, no study has examined how depression-related inflammation impacts psychosocial functioning.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, years 2007–2008, were utilized to examine whether adults over the age of 40 experienced difficulty in their work, taking care of things at home, or getting along with other people due to current depressive symptoms through a logistic regression analysis. We selected C-reactive protein (CRP), a common marker of immune system activation, as our primary predictor of interest while controlling for relevant covariates.

Results

Greater CRP was positively associated with a greater risk for individuals experiencing difficulties in psychosocial functioning due to depressive symptoms. While current number and severity of depressive symptoms was also found to be significant in the model, comparison of effect sizes identified that CRP appears to be a more relevant marker for experiencing difficulty than a number of relevant biopsychosocial covariates.

Conclusion

Inflammation as measured by CRP may be a helpful tool in understanding how depressive symptoms are associated with an individual's ability to successfully navigate their social environment. Results here demonstrate the emerging utility of CRP in helping to assess the risk for negative outcomes in those experiencing depressive symptoms, especially as it pertains to older adults.

•

Aimed to evaluate the role of CRP in psychosocial functioning of older adults experiencing current depressive symptoms.

•

Higher CRP levels were positively associated with risk for experiencing psychosocial difficulty due to depressive symptoms.

•

CRP levels above 10 mg/L were associated with a 13.7–55.6% increased risk for experiencing psychosocial difficulties.

[Prospects for the use of drugs with anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of depression]

The review briefly summarizes experimental and preclinical data of the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in triggering pathophysiological changes associated with depression, primarily major depressive disorder (MDD), as well as the possibility of using anti-inflammatory drugs as antidepressants.

African American Ethnicity, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Arthritis Independently Predict Co-occurring Depression and Obesity among Community-dwelling Older Adult Alabamians

Although obesity and depression are quite common among older adults, surprisingly published literature has not examined factors associated with co-occurring depression and obesity among older adults. The knowledge that fills this gap would be advantageous for public health social workers and other health professionals who provide health care and public health services to older adults. The objectives of this study were to access the prevalence of and independent predictors of co-occurring depression and obesity among older adults in the state of Alabama. A retrospective analysis was conducted using a statewide survey of Alabamian community-dwelling older adults (n = 1,166). Binomial logistic regression was used to examine predictors of co-occurring depression and obesity. The prevalence of co-occurring depression and obesity among older adults was 16%. In the multivariate analysis, African American ethnicity (OR = 1.505, CI: 1.019-2.223), hypertension (OR = 1.593, CI: 1.050-2.416), diabetes (OR = 1.768, CI: 1.188-2.632), and arthritis (OR = 1.640, CI: 1.096-2.454) were positively associated with co-occurring depression and obesity). Older age (OR = 0.963, CI: 0.942-0.985) and higher levels of physical activity (OR = 1.640, CI: 1.096-2.454) were negatively associated with co-occurring depression and obesity. There is a need for the development and implementation of suitable interventions to prevent and manage co-occurring depression and obesity among older adults, particularly older adults with arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, or of African American ethnicity.

Effects of quercetin on the alterations of serum elements in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressed rats

Depression is a common and serious psychiatric disorder, but current conventional antidepressants have limited efficacy and significant side effects. Thus, better antidepressants are urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects and potential mechanism of quercetin by evaluating the changes of serum elements in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. Based on the results of the sucrose preference test (SPT), 96 rats were randomly assigned to six groups: control, different dosages of quercetin (10 and 50 mg/kg·bw, respectively), depressed, and different dosages quercetin plus depressed groups. After 8 weeks of CUMS modeling, rat serum was collected. Fifteen elements in serum were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and related enzyme indicators, antioxidant indicators, and inflammatory cytokines were detected to further explore the potential mechanism. Besides, the accuracy and precision of the method were evaluated. The results showed that the levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and calcium (Ca) in serum significantly increased (p ≤ 0.001), while the levels of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and cobalt (Co) significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.001) in depressed group compared with the control group. The levels of the remaining eight elements did not change significantly. When high-dose quercetin was administered to depressed rats, the levels of the above seven elements significantly restored (p ≤ 0.001). This study suggests that quercetin (50 mg/kg·bw) has a regulatory effect on serum elements in CUMS rats, which may be mediated by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, and regulating a variety of neurotransmitter systems.

The influence of diet quality on depression among adults and elderly: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Depression is the most common mental illness, achieving more than 264 million people worldwide. Although diet quality may be associated with depression symptoms, this relationship has not been deeply investigated among Brazilians. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate this relationship.

METHODS

This is a population-based cross-sectional study with representative individuals aged 18 years or over living in an urban area. Individuals were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to screen for major depressive episodes, and a Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to evaluate diet. We used a hierarchical model to conduct the analyses and calculated prevalence ratio using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

A total of 820 subjects were assessed, with mean age of 54.8 (±17.4) years. Prevalence of major depressive episodes was 29.2%. After final adjustment, diet quality remained directly associated with depression (p = 0.024). Individuals with the worst diet quality were 39% more likely to have major depressive episodes when compared to those who had the best diet quality. Depression was also associated with consumption of soda or artificial juice and are food markers of unhealthy diets.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design does not establish whether the associations are causal, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is a screening scale - not a diagnostic tool; however, it is easy, quick to apply, and is widely used in epidemiological studies.

CONCLUSION

The results provide important evidence about the role of diets on that mood disorder, which contributes to management approaches to depression.

Major Depressive Disorder: Advances in Neuroscience Research and Translational Applications

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also referred to as depression, is one of the most common psychiatric disorders with a high economic burden. The etiology of depression is still not clear, but it is generally believed that MDD is a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction of social, psychological, and biological aspects. Therefore, there is no exact pathological theory that can independently explain its pathogenesis, involving genetics, neurobiology, and neuroimaging. At present, there are many treatment measures for patients with depression, including drug therapy, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation technology. In recent years, great progress has been made in the development of new antidepressants, some of which have been applied in the clinic. This article mainly reviews the research progress, pathogenesis, and treatment of MDD.