Serum sortilin-derived propeptide concentrations as markers of depression in chronic stroke.

INTRODUCTION

Post-stroke depression is a common and debilitating consequence of stroke that significantly impacts functional recovery and quality of life. Identifying new biological markers and treatments is essential to enhance patient care. This study aimed to assess the relationship between serum levels of the sortilin-derived propeptide and depression scores in the STROKDEM cohort (NCT01330160).

METHODS

The study enrolled 204 stroke patients and followed them at 6, 12, 36, and 60 months post-stroke. Serum sortilin-derived propeptide levels were measured at each visit, along with comprehensive clinical assessments including depression and anxiety scales.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant main effect of serum sortilin-derived propeptide levels on depression scores (p = 0.006). There was also a significant interaction between propeptide levels and follow-up visit (p = 0.05). In contrast, propeptide levels did not have a significant effect on anxiety scores (p = 0.75).

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest serum sortilin-derived propeptide could be a useful biomarker for post-stroke depression. This opens up potential new treatment approaches, including the consideration of the drug spadin, which targets this peptide, for managing post-stroke depression in humans.