Is NRXN1 Gene Expression an Important Marker of Treatment of Depressive Disorders? A Pilot Study

Aim: Due to the fact that NRXN1 is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of the NRXN1 gene in the etiology and epigenetics of depression by comparison of NRXN1 mRNA expression and NRXN1 protein level expression in patients suffering from depression versus healthy controls, as well as to search for clinical variables related to expression of the analyzed gene. Material and Methods: A total of 180 people aged 19–64 qualified for the study. The experimental group consisted of 97 people who were psychiatrically hospitalized, diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorders (F33) or who met the diagnostic criteria of a depressive episode (F32) according to ICD-10. The control group included 83 healthy people who volunteered to participate in the study. A sample of peripheral blood was obtained from people who were positively qualified to participate in the study—twice in the experimental group and once in the control group for genetic testing. Sociodemographic variables and data on the course of the disorder were also gathered. Patients were examined on study entry and at the end of the hospitalization with the Hamilton Depression Scale. Obtained data were analyzed statistically. The study was approved by the University’s Bioethics Committee. Results: The gene expression of NRXN1 at both mRNA and protein level significantly differs and it is lower in the experimental group compared to expression in healthy people. The difference in gene expression of NRXN1 at both the mRNA and protein levels between the first and second measurement in the experimental group is also significant. The result demonstrates a higher expression level in the first measurement and lower expression level in the second measurement when reported depression symptoms are less severe. Conclusions: Results concerning expression of NRXN1 may play an important role in further researches about the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders such as looking for depression biomarkers and identifying evidence which may be relevant to personalize treatment for depression.

Download Full-text

Inflammatory versus Anti-Inflammatory Profiles in Major Depressive Disorders—The Role of IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, IL-35 and Foxp3

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11020066 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 66

Author(s):

Małgorzata Gałecka ◽

Katarzyna Bliźniewska-Kowalska ◽

Agata Orzechowska ◽

Janusz Szemraj ◽

Michael Maes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Mrna Expression ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Control Group ◽

Hamilton Depression Scale ◽

Major Depressive Disorders ◽

Severity Of Depression

Background: The authors of this research study intended to verify whether there are any changes in gene expression in depressed patients without coexisting inflammatory diseases for selected immune-inflammatory factors that are particularly important in autoimmune disease pathogenesis (IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, IL-35, Foxp3). Methods: The study was carried out on a group of 190 patients with depression and 100 healthy volunteers. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale. RT-PCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression and ELISA was used to measure protein expression of these genes. Results: The level of gene expression for IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, and IL-35 was substantially higher in the group of patients with depression compared to the control group. The mean mRNA expression of Foxp3 was considerably reduced in patients suffering from depressive disorders. There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of hospitalizations and the expression of specific inflammatory factors. Conclusions: Expression of specific inflammatory genes may be a factor in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders. The duration of the disease seems to be more important for the expression of the genes in question than the severity of depression. These cytokines may affect the metabolism of neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine functions in the brain as well as be a marker and a new potential therapeutic target for recurrent depressive disorders.

Download Full-text

Virtual Reality Alleviates Post-Stroke Depression by Regulating FGF21

10.21203/rs.3.rs-619520/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yihui Zhang ◽

Zekun Xing ◽

Zhanxiang Xie ◽

Yuzheng Zhou ◽

Shengjie Wan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 ◽

Control Group ◽

Hamilton Depression Scale ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Post Stroke Depression ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background: Post-stroke depression(PSD) lacks timely and effective treatment and virtual reality (VR) technology can create a lifelike experience and simulate users' physical presence in an immersive environment. It has been confirmed to have a positive effect on stroke and depression. Data about the efficacy VR on PSD are limited. The intensification of fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21) can improve depression and other emotional symptoms, but there is no study on its role in PSD.Methods: We enlisted 76 PSD patients (6 lost) and divided into the experimental group and control group randomly. The patient underwent psychological rehabilitation once a week for 50 minutes each time for a total of 12 weeks. The patients in the experimental group received psychological counseling and VR rehabilitation while patients in the control group also took the same pattern but without VR rehabilitation. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were evaluated before rehabilitation, in the 4th week and at the end of rehabilitation respectively in two groups for the sake of observing changes in the patients' depression. Then 8 people in each group did functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and blood samples were taken for detection with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), IL-6, TNF-α and FGF21 by ELISA.Results: The result of fNIRS showed the hemodynamic activation in the prefrontal region of the experimental group was significantly increased. Both groups of FGF21 increased and compared with the control group, the experimental group has a greater upsurge and a faster increase rate.Conclusions: VR alleviates PSD. FGF21 is closely related to PSD，and it is likely to be a potential pathological mechanism of PSD. It suggests that VR is possible to improve PSD by increasing FGF21.Trial registration: We registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry which is the first level registration organization of WHO international clinical trial registration platform. The registration number is ChiCTR1900027987, the date of registration December 7, 2019.

Download Full-text

Effect of Acupuncture on Chronic Pain with Depression: A Systematic Review

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/7479459 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Bin Yan ◽

Shibai Zhu ◽

Yu Wang ◽

Gula Da ◽

Guoqing Tian

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Hamilton Depression Scale ◽

Conventional Medication ◽

Comprehensive Search ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Review Manager

Background. Numerous studies suggested that chronic pain and depression were closely related and widespread in the population. When patients have symptoms of chronic pain and depression, the corresponding treatment will become difficult. Acupuncture, a unique therapeutic method of traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to potentially serve as an alternative treatment for patients with comorbid chronic pain and depression by many research studies. Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted through the online database, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, SinoMed, CNKI, and Wanfang database. Trials were RCTs published in the English or Chinese language, recruiting participants with chronic pain and depression comorbidity. The primary outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3. Each trail was quality appraised with the five-point Jadad Score. Results. 7 eligible RCTs involving 535 patients were included. Better therapeutic effect and safety could be observed in the experimental group compared with the control group. There was a significant decrease in the VAS (mean difference (MD) = −0.68 (−1.24, −0.12), P=0.02) and HAMD (MD = −2.18 (−3.09, −1.26), P<0.00001) scores and the incidence of adverse events between two groups. Conclusion. In the treatment of chronic pain with depression, acupuncture could not only get better clinical efficacy, but also have higher security compared with medicine therapy, which can be used in patients with poorer response to the conventional medication or suffering from serious side effects.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of the online-based self-help programme “Selfapy” in patients with unipolar depression: study protocol for a randomized, blinded parallel group dismantling study

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05218-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rico Krämer ◽

Stephan Köhler

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Drop Out ◽

Control Group ◽

Hamilton Depression Scale ◽

Online Interventions ◽

Phone Calls ◽

Self Help ◽

Low Threshold ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Patients with mild to moderate depressive symptoms can have limited access to regular treatment; to ensure appropriate care, low-threshold treatment is needed. Effective online interventions could increase the supply of low-threshold treatment. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of online interventions. This study aims to evaluate the online-based self-help programme “Selfapy” on a sample of depressive subjects and compares the impact of the programme’s unaccompanied version with its therapeutic accompanied version. Methods A sample of 400 subjects that have a mild to severe depressive episode (Becks Depression Inventory - II and Hamilton Depression Scale) will be used. Subjects are randomly assigned to immediate access to an unaccompanied course (no support from psychologist via weekly phone calls), immediate access to an accompanied course (support from a psychologist via weekly phone calls) or a waiting list control group (access to the intervention after 24 weeks). The intervention will last for a period of 12 weeks. Depressive symptoms as a primary parameter, as well as various secondary parameters, such as life satisfaction, therapeutic relationships, social activation, self-esteem, attitudes towards Internet interventions and drop-out rates, are recorded at four different points in time: at baseline (T1), 6 weeks after the start of the intervention (T2), 12 weeks after the start of the intervention (T3) and 3 months after completion of the treatment follow-up (T4). Conclusion This randomized and controlled, blinded study will make use of a “dismantled” approach to adequately compare the accompanied and unaccompanied versions of the intervention. Positive and meaningful results are expected that could influence the acceptance and implementation of online interventions. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017191. Registered on 14 June 2019

Download Full-text

Using the 11-item Version of the RCADS to Identify Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Adolescents

Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology ◽

10.1007/s10802-021-00817-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jerica Radez ◽

Polly Waite ◽

Bruce Chorpita ◽

Cathy Creswell ◽

Faith Orchard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Community Sample ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Parent Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Adolescent Report ◽

Two Samples ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Anxiety Depression

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify items from the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale – RCADS-C/P that provided a brief, reliable and valid screen for anxiety and/or depressive disorders in adolescents. In addition, we examined whether adding items assessing suicidal ideation (Moods and Feelings Questionnaire – MFQ- C/P) and symptom impact and duration (items adapted from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire – SDQ) improved the identification of adolescents with anxiety and/or depressive disorders. We compared two samples of adolescents and their parents – a community sample, recruited through secondary schools in England (n = 214) and a clinic-referred sample, who met diagnostic criteria for anxiety and/or depressive disorder and were recruited through a university-based research clinic (n = 246). Participants completed the RCADS-C/P with additional symptom impact and duration items, and the MFQ-C/P. Using ROC curve analyses, we identified a set of 11 RCADS-C/P items (6 addressing anxiety and 5 depression symptoms) for adolescent- and parent-report. This set of 11 symptom items achieved sensitivity/specificity values > .75, which were comparable to corresponding values for the RCADS-47-C/P. Combining adolescent and parent-report improved the identification of anxiety/depression in adolescents compared to using adolescent-report alone. Finally, adding two symptom impact items further improved the sensitivity/specificity of the 11 symptom items, whereas adding suicidal ideation items did not. The 11 RCADS items accurately discriminated between the community and clinic-referred sample with anxiety and/or depressive disorders and have the potential to quickly and accurately identify adolescents with these disorders in community settings.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of the relationship between perceived social support, coping strategies, anxiety, and depression symptoms among hospitalized COVID-19 patients

The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine ◽

10.1177/0091217420982085 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 009121742098208

Author(s):

Ali Kandeğer ◽

Memduha Aydın ◽

Kürşat Altınbaş ◽

Alparslan Cansız ◽

Özge Tan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Negative Association ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Control Group ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Adaptive Coping ◽

The Relationship

Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship between perceived social support, coping strategies, anxiety, and depression symptoms among hospitalized COVID-19 patients by comparing them with a matched control group in terms of age, gender, and education level. Method The patient group (n = 84) and the healthy controls (HCs, n = 92) filled in the questionnaire including the socio-demographic form, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced through the online survey link. Results The COVID-19 patients had higher perceived social support and coping strategies scores than the HCs. However, anxiety and depression scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. In logistic regression analysis performed in COVID-19 patients, the presence of chest CT finding (OR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.04–17.95) was a risk factor for anxiety and the use of adaptive coping strategies (OR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.73–0.99) had a negative association with anxiety. In addition, the use of adaptive coping strategies (OR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.79–0.98) and high perceived social support (OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.93– 0,99) had a negative association with depression symptoms. Conclusions Longitudinal studies involving the return to normality phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are needed to investigate the effects of factors such as coping strategies and perceived social support that could increase the psychological adjustment and resilience of individuals on anxiety and depression.

Download Full-text

AB0177 ANXIETY-DEPRESSIVE SPECTRUM IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ANKYLOSING SPONDILITIS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.3444 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1114.2-1114

Author(s):

M. Letaeva ◽

M. Koroleva ◽

J. Averkieva ◽

O. Malyshenko ◽

T. Raskina

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Well Being ◽

Depressive Syndrome ◽

Depression Screening ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Control Group ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Anxiety Depression

Objectives:to assess the frequency of occurrence of the anxiety-depressive spectrum in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.Methods:A survey was conducted of 44 patients aged from 21 to 57 years (average age - 42.3 ± 6.7 years), who were treated at GAUZ KO OKGVV. All patients had a verified diagnosis of RA and AS according to the ACR criteria and received treatment with basic drugs. The control group consisted of 40 people comparable in age and sex, without concomitant pathology of RA and AS.The depression screening card, the subjective well-being scale, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were used to assess and detect anxiety-depressive syndrome. The assessment of the condition is carried out over the last 2 weeks, which corresponds to the temporary diagnostic criterion for depression.The Depression Screening Scale is a 35-item self-questionnaire that assesses 7 categories of signs: sleep and appetite disorders, anxiety, emotional instability, cognitive impairment, loss of self, guilt, and suicidal tendencies. A total score of 65 and above indicates a high likelihood of depression.The Subjective Well-Being Scale is a psychodiagnostic screening tool for measuring the emotional component of subjective well-being or emotional comfort.Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Zigmond A.S., Snaith R.P. was developed for the primary detection of depression and anxiety in a general medical practice. The HADS scale consists of 14 statements with 4 possible answers and includes two parts: anxiety and depression. The sum of points of 8 or more is regarded as “subclinically expressed anxiety / depression”, 11 or more points - “clinically expressed anxiety / depression”.Results:According to the results of the depression screening questionnaire, 34 (77.3%) patients with RA and AS showed signs of depression, while in the control group only 6 (15%) patients tested positive for the presence of depressive disorders. According to the data obtained when assessing the scale of well-being in the main group, 26 (59.1%) patients showed signs of emotional discomfort (the indicator was 80% or more), in the control group - in 6 (15%). Using the hospital scale of anxiety and depression HADS, anxiety-depressive syndrome was detected in 36 (81.8%) patients with RA and AS: 16 (44.4%) patients had anxiety, 20 (55.6%) - depression, of them, subclinically expressed anxiety and depression were observed in 10 (27.7%) and 12 (33.3%) people, respectively. Anxiety-depressive syndrome in the control group, according to the HADS questionnaire, was detected only in 8 (20%) patients, of whom 4 (10%) patients had subclinical anxiety and 4 (10%) had signs of depression. No clinically pronounced anxiety and depression were registered in the control group.Conclusion:In most patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, anxiety-depressive disorders have been identified, which can directly affect both the course of the disease itself and the development of various complications. Timely diagnosis of mental disorders and close cooperation of rheumatologists, psychiatrists and psychologists in the selection of adequate therapy can improve the course and prognosis of the disease.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Download Full-text

Using a brief 11-item version of the RCADS to identify anxiety and depressive disorders in adolescents

10.31234/osf.io/a42gw ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jerica Radez ◽

Polly Waite ◽

Bruce F. Chorpita ◽

Cathy Creswell ◽

Faith Orchard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Community Sample ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Parent Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Adolescent Report ◽

Two Samples ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Anxiety Depression

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify items from the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale – RCADS-C/P that provided a brief, reliable and valid screen for anxiety and/or depressive disorders in adolescents. In addition, we examined whether adding items assessing suicidal ideation (Moods and Feelings Questionnaire – MFQ-C/P) and symptom impact and duration (items adapted from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire – SDQ) improved the identification of adolescents with anxiety and/or depressive disorders. Methods: We compared two samples of adolescents and their parents – a community sample, recruited through secondary schools in England (n = 214) and a clinic-referred sample, who met diagnostic criteria for anxiety and/or depressive disorder and were recruited through a university-based research clinic (n = 246). Participants completed the RCADS-C/P with additional symptom impact and duration items, and the MFQ-C/P.Results: Using ROC curve analyses, we identified a set of 11 RCADS-C/P items (6 addressing anxiety and 5 addressing depression symptoms) for adolescent- and parent-report. This set of 11 symptom items achieved sensitivity/specificity values > .75, which were comparable to corresponding values for the original RCADS-C/P. Combining adolescent and parent-report improved the identification of anxiety/depression in adolescents compared to using adolescent-report alone. Finally, adding two symptom impact items further improved the sensitivity/specificity of the 11 symptom items, whereas adding suicidal ideation items did not.Conclusions: The 11 RCADS items accurately discriminated between the community and the clinic-referred sample with anxiety and/or depressive disorders and have the potential to quickly and accurately identify adolescents with these disorders in community settings.

Download Full-text

Effects of Monopolar Dielectric Radiofrequency Signals on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17072465 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (7) ◽

pp. 2465

Author(s):

Alfonso Javier Ibáñez-Vera ◽

Jerónimo Carmelo García-Romero ◽

José Ramón Alvero-Cruz ◽

Rafael Lomas-Vega

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Usual Care ◽

Sham Group ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Physical Factor ◽

Control Group ◽

Local Pain ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Experimental Group

Monopolar dielectric radiofrequency (MDR) is a non-invasive treatment for pain based on the local application of electromagnetic signals. The study’s goal was to analyze the effects of MDR on the symptoms of fibromyalgia. For this aim, a randomized controlled trial was conducted on 66 female participants (aged 47 ± 17.7) diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (n = 23), which received eight 20-minute sessions of MDR; a sham group, which received the same number of sessions of a sham MDR therapy (n = 22); or a control group (n = 21), which received usual care. The outcome variables included pain measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), score on the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and quality of life measured by the combined index of fibromyalgia severity (ICAF). A large effect size was observed for the local pain (R2 = 0.46), total ICAF (R2 = 0.42) and ICAF physical factor scores (R2 = 0.38). Significant mean differences were found for the local pain (p = 0.025) and ICAF physical factor (p = 0.031) scores of the experimental group in comparison with the sham group. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in HADS. In conclusion, MDR is more effective than either sham treatment or usual care in the short-term improvement of pain and the physical wellbeing of participants with fibromyalgia.

Download Full-text

Influence of Depressive Disorder on Epilepsy Patients Life Quality

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/s0924-9338(09)70916-2 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (S1) ◽

pp. 1-1

Author(s):

E. Suljic ◽

A. Kucukalic ◽

N. Loncarevic ◽

A. Bravo-Mehmedbasic

Keyword(s):

Depressive Disorder ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Life Quality ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Hamilton Depression Scale ◽

Female Patients ◽

Duration Of Illness ◽

Clinical Center ◽

Male Patients ◽

Patients With Epilepsy

Introduction:Interictal depression as a co-morbid disorder can be seen among more than 40% of patients with epilepsy. Sex, epilepsy duration, type of seizures as well as applied antiepileptic drugs can cause development of depression which influence patient's life quality.Goal:To test relation between depressive disorders and patients sex, duration of illness, type of epileptic fits, antiepileptic therapy and life quality.Material and methods:Prospectively, randomly selected, we tested 300 patients with epilepsy, with or without depressive affective disorder at the Outpatient Department for Epilepsies at the Clinical Center Sarajevo. All patients answered Beck and Hamilton depression scale.Results:Baseline is consisded of male patients which made 54 % with the average age of 37.7 years, as well as female patients at average age 32.83 years. Depressive disorder according to the results at the Beck scale was present in 34%, and according to the Hamilton scale in 38.9%. Duration of illnesses longer than 20 years had 56% women with the expressed depressive disorder, compared to the 42% men's with depression (p< 0.01). Partial complex seizures were more often among women (p< 0.05). Carbamazepin as monotherapy was applied for more than a half of the baseline, and combined with carbamazepin significantly more frequently among men's (p< 0.0001), while female patients had significantly more often Lamotrigil.Conclusion:Depressive disorder is significantly more frequent among women with partial complex seizures, earlier epilepsy onset, and significantly more often on Phenobarbital therapy. Presence of depression with epilepsy significantly reduced patient's life quality.

Download Full-text