Atagun Mİ, Atay OC, Balaban OD, Ipekcioglu D, Alpugan B, Yalcin S, Senat A, Karamustafalioglu N, Ilnem MC, Erel O. Serum nitric oxide levels are depleted in depressed patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy.
Indian J Psychiatry 2021;
63:456-461. [PMID:
34789933 PMCID:
PMC8522622 DOI:
10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_1441_20]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous substance which has several endocrine functions and may act as neurotransmitter in the brain. High levels of NO may provoke nitrosative stress.
AIM
It was aimed to examine serum levels of NO in patients with depressive episodes who were treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in this study.
METHODS
The design was a case-control, follow-up study. Patients with depressive episodes (n = 23) and a healthy control group (n = 21) were enrolled. Three serum samples were obtained from the patient group (before ECT, after first and seventh sessions). NO, nitrite, and nitrate levels were examined.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Differences between groups were examined with t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Longitudinal data were evaluated with Panel Regression Analysis and Kruskal-Wallis Test.
RESULTS
Serum levels of NO and nitrite decreased significantly after the seventh session of ECT administration compared to the baseline and first session. Nitrate levels did not differ between the assessments.
CONCLUSIONS
Reduction of the serum NO and nitrite levels might be a contributing factor for hypertension during the sessions. These findings are reflect the circulating NO levels. Further studies may dissect NO physiology in the brain in mental disorders and potential external effects.
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