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Published on: September 23, 2021
Myeloperoxidase gene expression and cognitive functions in depression
Monika Talarowska1, Janusz Szemraj2, Piotr Gałecki1
1Department of Adult Psychiatry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
Purpose:
Most researchers agree that there are multiple factors influencing the development of recurrent depressive disorder (rDD). Previous studies have found that myeloperoxidase (MPO) may be a key inflammatory enzyme involved in this disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine the mRNA and protein levels of MPO in patients with rDD and to define the relationship between serum MPO levels and cognitive performance.
Material/Methods:
The study comprised 236 subjects: patients with rDD (n=131) and healthy subjects (n=105, HS). Assessment of cognitive function was based on performance on the Trail Making Test, the Stroop Test, the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) and the Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT).
Results:
MPO gene expression at mRNA level and at protein level was significantly higher in the rDD group when compared to the HS (p<0.01). There were no significant correlations for each group separately, but in the entire group, statistically significant correlations occurred between both mRNA and protein levels and following test: TMT part A and part B (positive correlations), part RCNb and part NCWd of the Stroop Test (positive correlation), the Verbal Fluency Test (negative correlation) and the AVLT (negative correlation).
Conclusions:
Our study provides evidence that the MPO enzyme coding gene and MPO expression are important for the regulation of cognitive functioning.
Insights
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels are elevated in patients with recurrent depressive disorder (rDD). Higher MPO mRNA and protein levels correlate with cognitive impairments in rDD patients, suggesting MPO
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) is influenced by multiple factors.
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO), an inflammatory enzyme, is implicated in rDD.
- Understanding MPO's role in rDD and cognition is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify MPO mRNA and protein levels in rDD patients.
- Investigate the association between serum MPO levels and cognitive performance in rDD.
Main Methods:
- Included 236 participants: 131 with rDD and 105 healthy subjects (HS).
- Cognitive function assessed using Trail Making Test, Stroop Test, Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), and Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT).
Main Results:
- MPO mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in the rDD group compared to HS (p<0.01).
- Overall, MPO levels correlated positively with TMT (A, B) and Stroop Test performance.
- MPO levels showed negative correlations with VFT and AVLT performance.
Conclusions:
- MPO gene expression and protein levels are elevated in rDD.
- MPO plays a significant role in regulating cognitive functions, including attention and memory.
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