Increased Ghrelin Levels and Unchanged Adipocytokine Levels in Major Depressive Disorder.

OBJECTIVE

One of the hypotheses of the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) proposes that there is a relationship between adipocytokine and ghrelin levels and depression.

METHODS

Patients with major depression with a BMI ≤25 kg/m2 between the ages of 11 and 18 years (n = 30) were compared with a healthy control group (n = 30). Both groups were evaluated across a pretreatment period (MD-PT) and an improved period (MD-I). We measured serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and ghrelin levels and other parameters related to metabolic syndrome, such as glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA]), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TCHOL).

RESULTS

Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin levels did not differ across groups; however, ghrelin levels were increased in the MD-I group compared with the control and MD-PT groups (p < 0.05). HOMA levels were also higher in the MD-PT group than in the control group (p < 0.05). After treatment, there was no difference in this measurement.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between adipocytokines and major depression may be dependent on ghrelin levels as a result of antidepressant treatment and subsequent obesity.