Brain choline in major depression: A review of the literature

The focus of this review is to provide a synthesis of the current literature on the role of brain choline, as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), in major depressive disorder (MDD). The most recent ¹H-MRS literature review took place over 10 years ago and, reflecting the high level of research on this topic, much has been learned since then. Higher brain choline levels have been linked to an increase in depression, and a cholinergic model for MDD development has been postulated. However, current ¹H-MRS studies have been inconclusive regarding the role of choline in depression. Data from eighty-six peer-reviewed studies were analyzed for a random-effects model meta-analysis. Two significant findings are reported. Papers that did not report segmentation had a significant, moderate effect size. Higher choline concentrations in the frontal lobe were found in depressed patients, both in those who responded to treatment and those who did not, after treatment with psychiatric medication, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or electroconvulsive therapy. Findings from this review may add to existing information regarding the role of brain choline in MDD. This may provide a future target for treatment and drug development. It also may serve as a biomarker for treatment progress.