Alpha-synuclein mRNA levels correspond to beck depression inventory scores in females with eating disorders.
Alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) is a neuronal protein involved in the regulation of brain serotonin and dopamine levels. We analyzed the peripheral expression of alpha-Syn mRNA and Beck Depression Inventory scores in female patients suffering from anorexia nervosa (n = 18) or bulimia nervosa (n = 24). We found a significant positive association between alpha-Syn mRNA expression and the total scores of the Beck Depression Inventory (linear regression; R(2) = 0.20; p = 0.003). alpha-Syn may play a pathophysiological role in depressive symptoms associated with eating disorders. Further investigations in patients with depression as a sole diagnosis are needed to support its role in the pathogenesis of major depression.
Frieling
Helge
H
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany. helge.frieling@uk-erlangen.de
Gozner
Andreas
A
Römer
Konstanze D
KD
Wilhelm
Julia
J
Hillemacher
Thomas
T
Kornhuber
Johannes
J
de Zwaan
Martina
M
Jacoby
Georg E
GE
Bleich
Stefan
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult; D051844:alpha-Synuclein / Q000235:genetics*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D051844:alpha-Synuclein