Evaluation of Biochemical Markers of Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress Pathways in Major Depression

Background: Major depression is characterized by decreased antioxidant status, an induction of the oxidative and nitrosative pathways. Abnormal levels of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation further substantiate the role of free radical in major depression. The objective of this study is to evaluate & compare serum levels of oxidative stress markers and peroxidation marker and nitrosative stress pathway markers. Methodology: The study included 100 subjects consisting of 50 healthy controls and 50 newly diagnosed patients of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Informed consent and institutional ethics committee approval was taken. Serum MDA levels was compared with parameters like SOD, Uric acid, NO, Vitamin E, Vitamin C. Clinical severity was diagnosed by trained psychiatrist using 21-items Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Results: Serum MDA, NO levels were significantly (p < 0.05) increased and SOD, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Uric acid were significantly decreased in MDD patients as compared to healthy controls. There was moderate positive correlation between MDA levels and clinical severity of depression as measured by 21-items Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score which was found to be statistically significant (r = 0.317, p value = 0.025). Conclusion: The study concluded that serum MDA, SOD, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Uric acid and NO combined together provided fairly useful index of oxidative stress and nitrosative stress pathways in MDD. Evaluation of such critical biomarkers would be useful and supportive for early diagnosis and treatment response.