The expression of genes encoding for COX-2, MPO, iNOS, and sPLA2-IIA in patients with recurrent depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. There are also data indicating altered inflammatory gene expression in depressive disorder and that genetic variants of IO&NS genes are associated with increased risk of the disease in question. The aim of this study was to explore mRNA expression of four IO&NS genes PTGS2, MPO, NOS2A, and PLA2G2A coding respectively: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and secretory phospholipase A2 type IIA (sPLA2-IIA).

METHOD

Expression of the mRNA was determined using quantitative real-time PCR, in peripheral blood cells of patients with recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) and normal controls.

RESULTS

The mRNA expressions of the genes encoding for COX-2, MPO, iNOS and sPLA2-IIA were significantly increased in the peripheral blood cells of depressed patients versus controls.

LIMITATIONS

Patients were treated with antidepressants.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate and may confirm the role of peripheral IO&NS pathways in the pathophysiology of depression. The results represent a promising way to investigate biological markers of depression.