Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
S100B, Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and Procalcitonin Serum Levels in Remitters to Electroconvulsive
Hannah Maier1, Saskia Helm1, Sermin Toto1
1Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Background:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatment options for refractory depressed patients. To date, there are only a few predictors of response.
Aim:
The aim was to identify predictive biomarkers of remission to ECT on a molecular level.
Methods:
11 patients suffering from a major depressive episode-according to the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)-underwent 10 ECT sessions. Blood samples were taken, and the depression severity was assessed before, one hour and 24 hours after sessions 1, 4, 7, and 10 using the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). A MADRS total score < 12 was interpreted as remission.
Results:
Patients remitting under ECT had significantly higher homocysteine (p < 0.001), S100B (p < 0.001), and procalcitonin (PCT) (p = 0.027) serum levels. On the contrary, serum levels of vitamin B12 (p < 0.001) and folic acid (p = 0.007) were significantly lower in remitters compared to those in nonremitters. Levels remained unchanged throughout the whole ECT course.
Conclusions:
Our findings indicate that lower levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid associated with higher levels of homocysteine, S100B, and PCT point to a subgroup of depressed patients sensitive to ECT. Due to the limited sample size, further studies are required to replicate our findings.
Related Concept Videos
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Vitamins
Pilot and Numeric Relaying
Leveling Effect and Non-Aqueous Acid-Base Solutions
The Leveling Effect of a Solvent
A generic acid (HA) reacts with the generic base (B-) to yield the corresponding conjugate base (A-) and conjugate acid (HB):
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

