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Gender differences in the relationship between symptoms of depression and high-sensitivity CRP

M L Vetter1, T A Wadden, C Vinnard

  • 1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. marion.vetter@uphs.upenn.edu

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|August 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Depression symptoms are linked to higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, an inflammation marker, but this association is significant only in men. This suggests potential biological differences between genders influencing the depression-inflammation relationship.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Research
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Inflammation and Immunology

Background:

  • Depression is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker that independently predicts CVD events.
  • Inflammation may mediate the link between depression and cardiovascular outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between depression symptoms and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) in an obese population.
  • To determine if this association differs between men and women.

Main Methods:

  • 390 participants in a primary care weight loss trial were assessed.
  • Depression symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8; score ≥ 10 indicates major depression).
  • High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels were measured.

Main Results:

  • 15.2% of participants had PHQ-8 scores ≥ 10.
  • Individuals with depression symptoms had significantly higher median hs-CRP levels (7.7 mg/L) compared to those without (5.1 mg/L).
  • Depression symptoms were associated with hs-CRP in men (P<0.01) but not in women (P=0.32) after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Depression symptoms are significantly associated with hs-CRP in men but not in women, even after adjusting for multiple factors.
  • This gender-specific finding suggests underlying biological differences may influence the relationship between depression and inflammation.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the biological basis for these observed gender differences.
Abstract

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