-
Neural Regeneration Research Jun 2024In the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder, chronic stress-related neuroinflammation hinders favorable prognosis and antidepressant response. Mitochondrial DNA may...
In the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder, chronic stress-related neuroinflammation hinders favorable prognosis and antidepressant response. Mitochondrial DNA may be an inflammatory trigger, after its release from stress-induced dysfunctional central nervous system mitochondria into peripheral circulation. This evidence supports the potential use of peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder. Herein, we critically review the neuroinflammation theory in major depressive disorder, providing compelling evidence that mitochondrial DNA release acts as a critical biological substrate, and that it constitutes the neuroinflammatory disease pathway. After its release, mitochondrial DNA can be carried in the exosomes and transported to extracellular spaces in the central nervous system and peripheral circulation. Detectable exosomes render encaged mitochondrial DNA relatively stable. This mitochondrial DNA in peripheral circulation can thus be directly detected in clinical practice. These characteristics illustrate the potential for mitochondrial DNA to serve as an innovative clinical biomarker and molecular treatment target for major depressive disorder. This review also highlights the future potential value of clinical applications combining mitochondrial DNA with a panel of other biomarkers, to improve diagnostic precision in major depressive disorder.
PubMed: 38934398
DOI: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-23-01878 -
Psychopathology Jun 2024Considering the importance of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), peripheral blood biomarkers are...
Exploring the Association between Depression, Suicidality, and Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, FAM19A5, Total Antioxidant Status, Total Oxidant Status, Oxidative Stress Index, and Cytokine Levels: A Case-Control Study of Drug-Naive Adolescents with First-Episode Major Depressive Disorder.
INTRODUCTION
Considering the importance of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), peripheral blood biomarkers are promising for the prediction of diagnosis and treatment outcomes. We aimed to elucidate the neuroinflammatory pathophysiology of depression by evaluating serum levels of FAM19A5 as a new biomarker of inflammatory activation, proinflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxidative stress parameters.
METHODS
Adolescents diagnosed with first-episode drug-naive MDD (n = 35) were compared neurobiologically healthy control group (n = 33). Serum FAM19A5 levels, cytokine levels, BDNF and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunoassay method. All participants were assessed with the Level-2 Depression Severity Scale, Sleep Disturbance Scale, Somatic Symptom Scale.
RESULTS
BDNF levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. While BDNF showed a positive correlation with all scale scores; BDNF was significantly higher in the suicide risk groups than the control group. IL-1β levels displayed a negative correlation with the severity of sleep disturbances.
CONCLUSIONS
In adolescents with MDD, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were not raised in peripheral blood, unlike in adults. However, BDNF levels, which typically decrease in neurodegenerative conditions, were higher in those with MDD.
PubMed: 38934178
DOI: 10.1159/000539695 -
The British Journal of Clinical... Jun 2024Research in adults suggests that intrusive memories and intrusive thoughts (often referred to as intrusive cognitions) are common in members of the general population...
OBJECTIVES
Research in adults suggests that intrusive memories and intrusive thoughts (often referred to as intrusive cognitions) are common in members of the general population and are often seen in clinical disorders. However, little is known about the experience of intrusive cognitions in adolescents, particularly in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study sought to gather fundamental data on these phenomena (i.e., frequency, characteristics and appraisals of intrusive cognitions) in adolescents with MDD and PTSD.
METHODS
Adolescents aged 11-18 with MDD (n = 11), PTSD (n = 13) and a non-clinical control group (n = 25) completed structured interviews concerning their intrusive memories and thoughts.
RESULTS
Intrusive thoughts were common in all three groups but were particularly frequently experienced in the MDD group. Intrusive memories were expectedly very common in the PTSD group but also experienced by over half of the adolescents with MDD. Both clinical groups reported more negative emotions in response to their intrusive thoughts or memories and appraised these cognitions more negatively than the non-clinical group.
CONCLUSION
Intrusive memories and thoughts are common experiences in adolescents with MDD and PTSD. Emotions and appraisals relating to these cognitions may be targets for psychological intervention in this age group. However, small sample sizes limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Replication is needed with larger numbers of clinical participants.
PubMed: 38934114
DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12488 -
Cureus May 2024Background Motivation dysregulation is common in several psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the relationships between motivation and the regional...
Background Motivation dysregulation is common in several psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the relationships between motivation and the regional brain areas involved. We evaluated the relationships between brain microstructural features and causality orientation in patients with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder (BD) using diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) techniques. Methods Forty patients with MDD, 36 with BD, and 30 with schizophrenia underwent DKI and assessment using the General Causality Orientation Scale (GCOS). We analyzed the DKI index and the GCOS subscales. Results The psychiatric patients showed significant positive correlations between the GCOS-autonomy orientation score and the mean kurtosis (MK) values in the prefrontal regions, orbitofrontal regions, and posterior cingulate cortex. When the analyses were performed separately by disease and gender, a positive correlation was found between the GCOS-autonomy orientation score and the MK values in the left prefrontal regions transdiagnostically, especially among female patients with MDD, BD, and schizophrenia. Conclusions A similar association between intrinsic motivation and MK value in the left prefrontal cortex was suggested in patients with schizophrenia, MDD, and BD. The commonality of this association among these disorders might lead to the discovery of a new biomarker for psychiatric clinical research.
PubMed: 38933632
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61138 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024It is known that exposure to the natural environment may positively modulate mental processes and behaviors; in particular, it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive...
INTRODUCTION
It is known that exposure to the natural environment may positively modulate mental processes and behaviors; in particular, it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This suggests a potential integration of "nature experience" into the treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) since various types of addiction are associated with anxiety and depression. Considering that only one study has been reported to date in patients with alcohol use disorder, the effect of nature experience in SUD patients' needs to be further investigated. This study aimed to test the effects of exposure to a natural lagoon environment on craving and measures of wellbeing in SUD patients in comparison to exposure to an urban environment.
METHODS
Twenty-four SUD patients were divided into three groups of eight participants and exposed to two walking sessions (interspersed with a 1-week wash-out period) in a natural environment typical of the Venetian lagoon, an Urban walk, or staying at the residential center based on a Latin-square design. Before and after each session, drug craving, mood, wellbeing, agency, openness to the future, and restorativeness were assessed.
RESULTS
The Nature walk significantly decreased craving in participants compared to their pre-walk values, and compared to craving after the Urban walk, with the latter significantly increased vs. pre-walk values. The Nature walk significantly decreased negative mood and increased wellbeing and agency. Openness to the future and restorativeness measures showed significant improvement after the Nature walk compared to the Urban walk. On the other hand, craving scores after the Urban Walk positively correlated with negative mood and a Sense of Negative Agency values and negatively correlated with wellbeing scores.
DISCUSSION
Our results confirm that "nature experience" may improve mood, wellbeing, attention, stress relief, openness, and sense of being active in SUD patients. Moreover, we also showed a specific effect on drug craving-a key symptom of SUD.
PubMed: 38933590
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1356446 -
Nature and Science of Sleep 2024Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with cognitive impairment through unclear mechanisms. We examined the relationship between sleep electroencephalogram (EEG)...
PURPOSE
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with cognitive impairment through unclear mechanisms. We examined the relationship between sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) power and attention level in MDD.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Forty-seven untreated patients with MDD and forty-seven age- and sex-matched controls were included. We examined relative EEG power during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep by fast Fourier transform. The Attention Network Test (ANT) was performed to evaluate attention levels.
RESULTS
Compared to controls, patients with MDD had lower theta power during NREM ( = 0.018) and REM ( = 0.002) sleep, while higher beta power ( = 0.050) during NREM sleep and delta power ( = 0.018) during REM sleep. Regarding attention level, patients with MDD had lower levels of accuracy ( = 0.021), longer mean reaction time ( < 0.001), poorer manifestations of the alerting effect ( = 0.038) and worse executive control ( = 0.048). Moreover, decreased theta power during NREM sleep was correlated with worsened accuracy ( = 0.329, = 0.040), decreased theta power during REM sleep was correlated with worsened alerting effect ( = 0.355, = 0.020), and increased delta power during REM sleep was correlated with longer mean reaction time ( = 0.325, = 0.022) in patients with MDD. No association between ANT performance and other frequency bands was observed in patients with MDD.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that patients with MDD manifest impaired selective attention function that is associated with decreased theta power during NREM/REM sleep and increased delta power during REM sleep.
PubMed: 38933526
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S464055 -
Health Science Reports Jun 2024Lung cancer is ranked as the second most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the predominant histological subtype. Research...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Lung cancer is ranked as the second most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the predominant histological subtype. Research suggests that one-third of lung cancer patients also experiencing depression. Antidepressants play an indispensable role in the management of NSCLC. Despite significant advancements in treatment, lung cancer patients still face a high mortality rate. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and related antidepressants involved in treatment efficacy and prognosis of NSCLC. However, there has been a lack of screening and analysis regarding genes and networks associated with both NSCLC and MDD.
METHODS
To investigate the correlation between MDD and NSCLC, our discovery and validation analysis included four datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database from NSCLC or MDD. Differential gene expression (DEGs) analysis, GO and KEGG Pathway, and protein-protein interaction network analyzes to identify hub genes, networks, and associated observations link between MDD and NSCLC.
RESULTS
The analysis of two datasets yielded a total of 84 downregulated and 52 upregulated DEGs. Pathway enrichment analyzes indicated that co-upregulated genes were enriched in the regulation of positive regulation of cellular development, collagen-containing extracellular matrix (ECM), cytokine binding, and axon guidance. We identified 20 key genes, which were further analyzed using the MCODE plugin to identify two core subnetworks. The integration of functionally similar genes provided valuable insights into the potential involvement of these hub genes in diverse biological processes including angiogenesis humoral immune response regulation inflammatory response organization ECM network.
CONCLUSION
We have identified a total of 136 DEGs that participate in multiple biological signaling pathways. A total of 20 hub genes have demonstrated robust associations, potentially indicating novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for both diseases.
PubMed: 38933422
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2167 -
Psychology in the Schools Apr 2024While early childhood educators' mental health is important, it may also affect the well-being and education of their students. Yet, little research has described the...
While early childhood educators' mental health is important, it may also affect the well-being and education of their students. Yet, little research has described the stress and stressors of early childhood educators (ECEs), particularly as the pandemic wanes. This pilot study aimed to (1) describe ECEs' psychological and physiological stress and (2) examine the association between ECEs' psychological and physiological stress levels with stressors. A convenience sample of 67 ECEs, serving children 0-5 years old from 13 early educational centers completed surveys on psychological stress (perceived stress, anxiety, and depression), stressors (economic hardship, food insecurity, adverse childhood experiences), and demographics in Fall 2021. A subsample of ECEs provided hair samples, analyzed for cortisol, to estimate physiologic stress. Regarding stress, 63% met the criteria for major depressive disorder and 41% for generalized anxiety disorder. Only 26% were taking medications to manage mental health. About 25% experienced the stressors of food insecurity and economic hardship; 80% experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Only education level significantly predicted perceived stress and depression - above and beyond stressors, household income, race, and age. The results have policy and practice implications for implementing evidence-based solutions to buffer stress and stressors in early childhood educators.
PubMed: 38933217
DOI: 10.1002/pits.23118 -
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2024The aim of our study was to explore the relation between serum levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants, thyroid function with the risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in...
PURPOSE
The aim of our study was to explore the relation between serum levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants, thyroid function with the risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in depressed adolescents.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We retrospected the electronic records of 454 hospitalized patients aged 13-17 years old with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (239 patients with NSSI and 215 subjects without NSSI), and collected their demographic and clinical information, including serum levels of total bilirubin (Tbil), uric acid (UA), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
RESULTS
The incidence of NSSI was 52.6% among depressed adolescents aged 13-17, 57.1% in female and 38.5% in male. After using the propensity scoring method to exclude the influence of age between the two groups, it was found that patients with NSSI showed lower levels of Tbil (P=0.046) and UA (P=0.015) compared with those without NSSI. Logistic regression results showed that serum UA was associated with NSSI behavior in female patients (OR=0.995, 95% CI: 0.991-0.999, P=0.014), and TSH was associated with NSSI in male participants (OR=0.499, 95% CI: 0.267-0.932, P=0.029).
CONCLUSION
Female and male may have different pathological mechanisms of NSSI. NSSI is more likely to be related to antioxidant reaction in female adolescent patients, while more likely to be related to thyroid function in male depressed adolescent patients.
PubMed: 38933097
DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S452643 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Major depressive disorder (MDD) pathogenesis may involve metalloids in a significant way. The aim of our study was to identify potential links between MDD and metalloid...
BACKGROUND
Major depressive disorder (MDD) pathogenesis may involve metalloids in a significant way. The aim of our study was to identify potential links between MDD and metalloid elements [boron (B), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb)].
METHODS
A total of 72 MDD cases and 75 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited from Zhumadian Second People's Hospital in Henan Province, China. The levels of four metallic elements (B, Ge, As, and Sb) in the serum and urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
RESULTS
In comparison to the HCs, the B, As, and Sb levels were considerably lower in the MDD group ( < 0.05) in the serum; the MDD group had significantly higher ( < 0.05) and significantly lower ( < 0.001) B and Sb levels in the urine. After adjusting for potential confounders, serum B (OR = 0.120; 95% CI, 0.048, 0.300; < 0.001) and Sb (OR = 0.133; 95% CI, 0.055, 0.322; < 0.001) showed a negative correlation with MDD. Urine B had a negative correlation (OR = 0.393; 95% CI, 0.193, 0.801; = 0.01) with MDD, while urine Sb had a positive correlation (OR = 3.335; 95% CI, 1.654, 6.726; = 0.001) with MDD.
CONCLUSION
Our current research offers insightful hints for future investigation into the function of metalloids in connection to MDD processes.
PubMed: 38932939
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1403852