The heterogeneity of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels among depressed patients.
A previous report by our group and results published by other research groups have indicated a dichotomy in MHPG levels in depressed patients. This study attempted to characterize phenomena associated with this dichotomy in plasma MHPG levels. First, we have noted, at least in female patients, that homogeneity of MHPG levels, as tested by fitting with a normal curve, can be ruled out. In contrast, in the total population, a dichotomy was less evident in this study; the 2 subgroups, high and low levels of MHPG, partially overlap, and this results in a gaussian distribution. However, based on the hypothesis of a bimodal distribution, as shown by others and not excluded here, it was possible to find some factors associated with heterogeneity. Thus, polarity of depression, sex and age of the patients, age of disease onset and depression score affect MHPG levels. On the other hand, other elements suspected to modify MHPG values, such as the different lengths of the washout period (minimum 10 days), or some medication (chloralhydrate or levomepromazine) required during the washout period, did not show any effect. The aim of this study was to better characterize this peripheral index for its possible use in clinical application.
Karege
F
F
Biological and Clinical Psychopharmacology Research Service, Geneva University Institutions of Psychiatry, Switzerland.
Bovier
P
P
Gaillard
J M
JM
Tissot
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006018:Glycols / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D006018:Glycols; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol