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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
06:55
An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
Published on: December 2, 2015
Towards a possible aetiology for depressions?
Ying Liu1, Tore Heiberg, Karl-Ludvig Reichelt
1Institute of Pediatric Research, Rikshospitalet, N-0027 Oslo, Norway. karlr@ulrik.uio.no.
Behavioral and Brain Functions : BBF
|September 18, 2007
Summary
Biochemical changes, including increased urinary peptides, are linked to severe depression, potentially stemming from dietary proteins and deficient breakdown. Antidepressant treatment appears to reduce these peptide levels.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Genetic predisposition suggests biochemical alterations in depression.
- Previous studies indicated elevated bioactive peptides in urine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate urinary peptide profiles in severe depression.
- To identify potential biochemical markers associated with the condition.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples from severe depression patients (ICD 10) analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
- Off-line mass spectrometry performed on selected urinary peptides.
Main Results:
- Overlapping yet individually distinct peptide peak patterns observed in severe depression.
- Mass spectrometry identified some peptides as originating from dietary proteins (e.g., casein, gliadin opioids).
- Evidence suggests polygenetic disposition due to variations in peptide length with conserved bioactivity.
Conclusions:
- Urinary peptide analysis reveals potential biochemical markers for severe depression.
- Findings support a link between deficient peptide breakdown, peptidase deficiencies, and depression.
- Antidepressant therapy demonstrated a reduction in urinary peptide levels within approximately three weeks.
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