TY - JOUR PY - 2019// TI - Ligands and receptors of the TNF superfamily are decreased in major depression and during early antidepressant therapy JO - Journal of psychiatric research A1 - Schmidt, Frank M. A1 - Koch, Jenny A1 - Nowak, Claudia A1 - Holdt, Lesca M. A1 - Teupser, Daniel A1 - Hegerl, Ulrich A1 - Himmerich, Hubertus SP - 116 EP - 121 VL - 119 IS - N2 - BACKGROUND: The up-regulation of pro-inflammatory agents, amongst them tumor necrosis factor (TNF), may represent low-grade inflammation in major depression. To further elucidate inflammatory mechanisms related to TNF in depression, the aim of the current study was to investigate the involvement of ligands and receptors of the TNF/TNF-receptor-superfamily yet un- or little explored in major depression.

METHODS: Serum levels of ligands (TNF, TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis [TWEAK], B-cell activating factor [BAFF], tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 14 [TNFSF14; LIGHT], A proliferation-inducing ligand [APRIL]) and receptor molecules (TNF receptor superfamily member 8 [TNFRSF8; sCD30], soluble TNF receptor type 1 [sTNFR1] and type 2 [sTNFR2]) of the TNF/TNF-receptor-superfamily were measured in 50 unmedicated patients suffering from major depression and 48 healthy controls and were reassessed in 37 of the depressed patients two weeks after the initiation of antidepressive treatment.

RESULTS: In comparison to the healthy controls, the interrelated serum levels of TWEAK, BAFF, TNFSF8, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were reduced both in the unmedicated and medicated depressed patients. Serum levels of BAFF and TNF significantly increased during the initiation of antidepressive treatment. In the combined sample of unmedicated depressed and healthy controls, but not the separate groups, scores of the BDI-II inversely correlated with levels of TWEAK, BAFF, sTNFR1, sTNFR2 and TNFSF8.

CONCLUSION: The current findings give evidence for a role of the TNF/TNF-receptor-superfamily in the pathophysiology of major depression that may involve reduced tissue regeneration and neurogenesis rather than an acceleration of pro-inflammatory pathways.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0022-3956 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.09.010 ID - ref1 ER -