Plasma BDNF and tPA are associated with late-onset geriatric depression.
OBJECTIVE
Studies in the recent decade have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has been implicated in the control of the direction of BDNF action. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the changes of BDNF/tPA levels and their clinical meanings in geriatric depression.


METHODS
Plasma BDNF and tPA levels were measured in late-onset geriatric depression (LGD) before treatment (n = 24) and after 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment (n = 24) compared with control subjects (n = 30) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The severity of depression was assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.


RESULTS
Baseline plasma BDNF and tPA levels were significantly lower in LGD patients compared to controls (P = 0.037 and P = 0.000, respectively). There was a heightening tendency of plasma BDNF level after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma BDNF and tPA levels are associated with LGD. The complex mechanism of BDNF and tPA in LGD should be further explored in future studies.
Shi
Yanyan
Y
Department of Psychiatry, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
You
Jiayong
J
Yuan
Yonggui
Y
Zhang
Xiangrong
X
Li
Hailin
H
Hou
Gang
G
D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator