Wagner C, Musenbichler C, Böhm L, Färber K, Fischer AI, von Nippold F, Winkelmann M, Richter-Schmidinger T, Mühle C, Kornhuber J, Lenz B (2019)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2019
Book Volume: 92
Pages Range: 405-411
DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.01.010
Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and burdening mental illness. Approximately 30% of the major depressive episodes (MDE) are classified as therapy-refractory. Further knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MDD and predictive biomarkers are needed to improve treatment options. Methods: Serum lipid levels were compared between patients with a current MDE (n = 130) or remitted MDD (n = 39) and healthy control subjects (n = 61) and associated with the severity (17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAMD] scores) and the prospective course of depression (direct follow-up of at median 20 days post-inclusion). Results: We found higher levels of LDL cholesterol (152.5 vs. 134.0 mg/dl, U = 3021, P = 0.008) and LDL/HDL ratio (2.82 vs. 2.21, U = 2912, P = 0.003) in patients with a current MDE than in healthy control subjects. In patients with a current MDE, higher HAMD scores correlated also with higher values of triglycerides (ρ = 0.213, P = 0.015), total cholesterol (ρ = 0.199, P = 0.023), LDL cholesterol (ρ = 0.224, P = 0.010), and LDL/HDL ratio (ρ = 0.196, P = 0.026). Moreover, higher total cholesterol (ρ = −0.233, P = 0.010), LDL cholesterol (ρ = 0.235, P = 0.010), and LDL/HDL ratio (ρ = −0.199, P = 0.029) were associated with a stronger decline in HAMD score between study inclusion and direct follow-up. Limitations: We employed an associational study design, performed only a short-term follow-up, and excluded suicidal study subjects. Conclusions: Serum lipid levels are associated with depression per se, the depression severity, and the prospective 3-week course. These observations build the basis for future investigations on individualized lipid metabolism-related treatment strategies in depressed patients.
APA:
Wagner, C., Musenbichler, C., Böhm, L., Färber, K., Fischer, A.-I., von Nippold, F.,... Lenz, B. (2019). LDL cholesterol relates to depression, its severity, and the prospective course. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 92, 405-411. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.01.010
MLA:
Wagner, Claudia, et al. "LDL cholesterol relates to depression, its severity, and the prospective course." Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry 92 (2019): 405-411.
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