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Pericardial, intra-abdominal, and subcutaneous adipose tissue in patients with major depressive disorder

K G Kahl1, K Hueper, U Schweiger

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|January 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have increased pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) volumes compared to healthy individuals. This finding highlights altered body composition in MDD and its link to heart disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Metabolic Health

Background:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to a higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), a metabolically active fat depot around the heart, is increasingly recognized for its role in CAD development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) volumes in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) versus healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 50 inpatients with MDD and 25 healthy individuals.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IaAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (ScAT).

Main Results:

  • Significantly greater pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) volumes were observed in patients with MDD compared to the healthy group.
  • These findings remained significant after adjusting for age, weight, height, and physical activity levels.

Conclusions:

  • This study reveals significant alterations in body composition, specifically increased PAT, in individuals with MDD.
  • The results provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between depressive disorders and cardiovascular comorbidity.
Abstract

Keywords:
cardio-vascular diseasesdepressiondiabetes mellitus

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