Chronic depression symptoms and salivary NOx are associated with retinal vascular dysregulation: the SABPA study.

Abstract Background Depression has been associated with impaired nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation and vascular dysregulation (VD). Whether depression and NO levels will disturb retinal haemodynamics is not clear. Objectives and methods Associations between the retinal vasculature, diastolic ocular perfusion pressure (DOPP) as measure of hypoperfusion, NO metabolites (NOx) and depression symptoms were assessed. Chronic VD risk markers [depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire/PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 24 h pulse pressure] were determined in a bi-ethnic cohort (n = 313; 48.6 ± 9 years; 53.9% men). At 3 year follow-up, retinal vessel calibre and retinopathy signs were quantified from digital images. Salivary NOx was obtained pre- and post-flicker light-induced provocation (FLIP). DOPP was defined as diastolic blood pressure minus intraocular pressure. Results Chronic VD risk was evident in Blacks opposed to acute risk in Whites (P  Conclusions Chronic depression symptoms may alter NO regulation and facilitate VD. NO-mediated vasoconstriction presumably impeded perfusion, retinal haemodynamics and –remodelling; potentiating stroke risk in Blacks.