Cited by 142Treatment of Major DepressionTryptophan and brain disordersNerve injury and regeneration

Role of trophic factors GDNF, IGF-1 and VEGF in major depressive disorder: A comprehensive review of human studies

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Sharma, Ajaykumar N., da Costa e Silva, Bruno Fernando Borges, Soares, Jair C., Carvalho, André F., Quevedo, Joao·2016·Journal of Affective Disorders

Abstract

Rationale The neurotrophin hypothesis of major depressive disorder (MDD) postulates that this illness results from aberrant neurogenesis in brain regions that regulates emotion and memory. Notwithstanding this theory has primarily implicated BDNF in the neurobiology of MDD. Recent evidence suggests that other trophic factors namely GDNF, VEGF and IGF-1 may also be involved.Purpose The present review aimed to critically summarize evidence regarding changes in GDNF, IGF-1 and VEGF in individuals with MDD compared to healthy controls. In addition, we also evaluated the role of these mediators as potential treatment response biomarkers for MDD.Methods A comprehensive review of original studies studies measuring peripheral, central or mRNA levels of GDNF, IGF-1 or VEGF in patients with MDD was conducted. The PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched for peer-reviewed studies published in English through June 2nd, 2015.Results Most studies reported a reduction in peripheral GDNF and its mRNA levels in MDD patients versus controls. In contrast, IGF-1 levels in MDD patients compared to controls were discrepant across studies. Finally, most studies reported high peripheral VEGF levels and mRNA expression in MDD patients compared to healthy controls.Conclusions GDNF, IGF-1 and VEGF levels and their mRNA expression appear to be differentially altered in MDD patients compared to healthy individuals, indicating that these molecules might play an important role in the pathophysiology of depression and antidepressant action of therapeutic interventions.

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Authors
Sharma, A. N., da Costa e Silva, B. F. B., Soares, J. C., Carvalho, A. F., & Quevedo, J.
Affiliations
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (US)
Venue
Journal of Affective Disorders
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2016-06
Volume
197
Pages
9-20
ISSN
0165-0327 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2288312973
Cited by
142
References
74
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 5
FWCI
2.29
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Affective Disorders (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH085667)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Nerve injury and regeneration
Keywords
major depressive disorder, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor I, vascular endothelial growth factor, neurotrophins, neurogenesis, treatment response biomarkers, peripheral biomarkers, mRNA expression, antidepressant action, depression pathophysiology
MeSH terms
Antidepressive Agents, Major Depressive Disorder, Female, Humans, Insulin-Like Growth Factor I, Male, Biomarkers, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A, Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

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