title: Increased plasma nitric oxide level associated with suicide attempt in depressive patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nitric oxide (NO) is known to influence cerebral monoaminergic activity, including the activity of serotonin. We evaluated plasma NO metabolite (NO(x)) levels in depressive patients with and without a recent history of suicide attempt.
  
  
  METHODS
  Plasma NO(x) levels were measured in 39 depressive patients who had recently attempted suicide, 44 non-suicidal depressed patients, and 70 normal controls. The severity of depression was measured with the Hamilton's Depression Rating Scale. The lethality of the suicide attempt was scored using Weisman and Worden's risk-rescue rating scale and Lethality Suicide Attempt Rating Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Plasma NO(x) levels were significantly higher in suicidal depressive patients than non-suicidal depressive patients or normal control subjects (Z=-2.472, p=0.013). However, higher plasma NO(x) levels in suicidal depressive patients were significantly related to a lower lethality of suicide attempts and lower severity of depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study suggests that increased plasma NO(x) level is associated with suicide attempts in depressive patients. Moreover, higher plasma NO(x) level is related with suicide attempts in mild depressed patients. However, further studies are required to understand the role of NO system in depression and suicidal behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan City, Gojan Dong, 516, Kyunggi Province, 425-020, Korea.
authors.forename: Yong-Ku
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jong-Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Paik
authors.forename: Sung-Woo
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Dokyung
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.forename: Changsu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Bun-Hee
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000097:blood*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011581:Psychological Tests; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D009569:Nitric Oxide