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Manganese superoxide dismutase gene expression and cognitive functions in recurrent depressive disorder
Monika Talarowska1, Agata Orzechowska, Janusz Szemraj
1Department of Adult Psychiatry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
Background:
Recent studies have revealed that recurrent depressive disorders (rDD) are linked with dysregulation of the immune system. Previous studies have found that manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, SOD2) may be a key inflammatory enzyme involved in this disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine the mRNA and protein levels of MnSOD in patients with rDD and to define the relationship between serum MnSOD levels and cognitive performance.
Methods:
The study comprised 236 subjects, which included patients with rDD (n = 131) and healthy subjects (n = 105, healthy control group, HC). Assessment of cognitive function was based on performance on the Trail Making test (TMT), the Stroop test, the Verbal Fluency test (VFT) and the Auditory Verbal Learning test (AVLT).
Results:
MnSOD gene expression at mRNA and protein level was significantly lower in rDD patients than in the HC group (p < 0.01). In the rDD and HC groups separately, there were no statistically significant associations between mRNA and protein expression levels of the MnSOD and psychological tests. In the total study group (n = 236), there was a statistically significant correlation between both MnSOD gene levels and the following tests (p < 0.01): the TMT parts A and B (negative correlation), the Stroop test parts RCNb (reading color names in black) and NCWd (naming color of word - different; negative correlation), the VFT (positive correlation) and the AVLT (positive correlation).
Conclusions:
Our study provides evidence that the MnSOD enzyme-coding gene and MnSOD expression are important for the regulation of cognitive functioning.
Insights
Recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) is linked to immune system dysregulation. This study found lower manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) levels in rDD patients, correlating with cognitive function across all participants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Recurrent depressive disorders (rDD) are associated with immune system dysregulation.
- Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, SOD2) is implicated as a key inflammatory enzyme in rDD.
- Previous research suggests a link between MnSOD and depressive disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify mRNA and protein levels of MnSOD in patients diagnosed with rDD.
- To investigate the relationship between serum MnSOD levels and cognitive performance in rDD patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- The study included 236 participants: 131 with rDD and 105 healthy controls (HC).
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop test, Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), and Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT).
Main Results:
- MnSOD mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in rDD patients compared to the HC group (p < 0.01).
- No significant associations were found between MnSOD levels and cognitive tests within the rDD or HC groups separately.
- Across the total study group, MnSOD gene levels showed significant correlations with TMT, Stroop test, VFT, and AVLT performance.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that the MnSOD gene and its expression play a role in regulating cognitive functions.
- This study highlights the potential involvement of MnSOD in the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits associated with rDD.
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