[Effect of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder on neuro-immuno-endocrine system in patients with depression].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effect of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder (DXP) on neuro-immuno-endocrine system in patients with depression.


METHODS
A randomized double-blinded and controlled study was conducted in 63 cases of depression. They were assigned to the DXP group (32 cases, treated with DXP) and the control group (31 cases, treated with maprotiline). The curative effect was evaluated with Hamilton's depressive scale (HAMD) before and at the end of the 2nd, 4th and 6th week of the treatment. Serum levels of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol (CORT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) were detected before and at the 6th week of the treatment.


RESULTS
After 2 weeks of treatment, the total score of HAMD decreased remarkably in both groups (P < 0.01), and the total score, as well as the scores of the three factors, i. e. anxiety/somatization, cognitive impairment and feeling of despair, were lower in the DXP group than that in the control group respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). After 4 and 6 weeks of treatment the total score and score of the three factors all reduced significantly in both groups (P < 0.01), with insignificant difference between the groups. After 6 weeks of treatment, the serum levels of 5-HT and BDNF increased (P < 0.01), and the serum IL-6 level decreased in both groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), the serum CORT level reduced in the DXP group (P < 0.01), while the serum NE level elevated in the control group (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
DXP is effective in improving symptoms of depression by regulating the levels of 5-HT, BDNF, CORT and IL-6.
Li
Yu-juan
YJ
Department of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing.
Luo
He-chun
HC
Qian
Rui-qin
RQ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood*
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D015850:Interleukin-6; C516449:xiaoyao; D012701:Serotonin; D009638:Norepinephrine