Myeloperoxidase gene expression and cognitive functions in depression

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.