Predicting SSRI-Resistance: Clinical Features and tagSNPs Prediction Models Based on Support Vector Machine

BDNF-related mutations in major depressive disorder: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

A better understanding of the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its association with neuroplasticity could play a pivotal role in finding future therapeutic targets for novel drugs in major depressive disorder (MDD). Because there are conflicting results regarding the exact role of BDNF polymorphisms in MDD still, we set out to systematically review the current evidence regarding BDNF-related mutations in MDD.

METHODS

We conducted a keyword-guided search of the PubMed and Embase databases, using 'BDNF' or 'brain-derived neurotrophic factor' and 'major depressive disorder' and 'single-nucleotide polymorphism'. We included all publications in line with our exclusion and inclusion criteria that focused on BDNF-related mutations in the context of MDD.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 427 records in total. After screening and application of our eligibility criteria, 71 studies were included in final analysis. According to present overall scientific data, there is a possibly major pathophysiological role for BDNF neurotrophic systems to play in MDD. However, on the one hand, the synthesis of evidence makes clear that likely no overall association of BDNF-related mutations with MDD exists. On the other hand, it can be appreciated that solidifying evidence emerged on specific significant sub-conditions and stratifications based on various demographic, clinico-phenotypical and neuromorphological variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research should elucidate specific BDNF-MDD associations based on demographic, clinico-phenotypical and neuromorphological variables. Furthermore, biomarker approaches, specifically combinatory ones, involving BDNF should be further investigated.

The decreased connectivity in middle temporal gyrus can be used as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for left temporal lobe epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) abnormalities between the two brain hemispheres in left temporal lobe epilepsy (lTLE) patients and to determine whether these alterations could be leveraged to guide lTLE diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight lTLE patients and sixty healthy controls (HCs) matched in age, sex, and education level were recruited to receive resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scan. Then VHMC analyses of bilateral brain regions were conducted based on the results of these rs-fMRI scans. The resultant imaging data were further analyzed using support vector machine (SVM) methods.

RESULTS

Compared to HCs, patients with lTLE exhibited decreased VMHC values in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and middle cingulum gyrus (MCG), while no brain regions in these patients exhibited increased VMHC values. SVM analyses revealed the diagnostic accuracy of reduced bilateral MTG VMHC values to be 75.42% (89/118) when differentiating between lTLE patients and HCs, with respective sensitivity and specificity values of 74.14% (43/58) and 76.67% (46/60).

CONCLUSION

Patients with lTLE exhibit abnormal VMHC values corresponding to the impairment of functional coordination between homotopic regions of the brain. These altered MTG VMHC values may also offer value as a robust neuroimaging biomarker that can guide lTLE patient diagnosis.

The concept of anorexia of aging in late life depression: A cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Anorexia of aging (AA) is classically associated with depression. However, robust evidence is lacking regarding general clinic populations. Our aim was to evaluate the association between AA and major depressive disorder (MDD) in geriatric outpatients from a middle-income country.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study. MDD diagnosis was assessed with a psychiatric interview (SCID-5-CV) according to DSM-5 criteria. Depressive symptomatology was assessed by a 15-items Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Appetite was measured with the Simple Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ), whereas AA was defined as a SNAQ score ≤13 points). Linear and logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders were applied to assess the association between depressive symptomatology, MDD and AA.

RESULTS

Of the total 339 participants, MDD was present in 65. AA was more frequent in patients with MDD compared to non-depressed patients (30.7 versus 7.7%; p<0.001). The SNAQ score was lower in depressed patients (14.5 vs. 16.6, p<0.001). Adjusted for confounding, linear and logistic regression showed a significant association between the GDS score, PHQ-9 score and MDD with the SNAQ score (p<0.001) and cut-off representing AA (p<0.001), respectively. Moreover, MDD and AA interacted significantly with their association with weight loss (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Depression scales (even without somatic complaints) and MDD were associated with AA in geriatric outpatients. AA is associated with weight loss in MDD. Prospective studies should expand these findings.