The role of the inflammatory markers  ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen in the  relationship between major depression and  cardiovascular disorders - The German  Health Interview and Examination Survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine levels of inflammation (ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen) in major depression (MDD) and comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) in an adult population.


METHODS
In 4181 participants of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey MDD was assessed through the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension were diagnosed by a computer-assisted physician interview. Analyses were performed using anova models stratified for gender.


RESULTS
Ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen levels showed opposing patterns in individuals with either CVD or MDD alone. In comorbidity analyses, male participants with MDD plus comorbid CHD or hypertension had lower levels of ferritin and lower fibrinogen levels in hypertension compared to men without MDD, while in women, results were inconsistent.


CONCLUSIONS
Opposing patterns of inflammatory markers in CVD or MDD alone were reversed when both conditions were present. MDD reduced levels of ferritin, transferrin and fibrinogen in CVD in a gender-specific way.
Baune
B T
BT
Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Qld 4811, Australia. bernhard.baune@jcu.edu.au
Neuhauser
H
H
Ellert
U
U
Berger
K
K
D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood*; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D005858:Germany; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014168:Transferrin / Q000378:metabolism*
D014168:Transferrin; D005340:Fibrinogen; D005293:Ferritins