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Is serum complement C1q related to major depressive disorder?

Jing Yang1,2, Ruibo Li1,2, Yuanhong Shi2

  • 1Department of Clinical Psychology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.

Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|April 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Serum complement C1q levels were significantly higher in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy individuals. This finding suggests C1q may serve as a potential biomarker for depression diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent global mental health condition.
  • The exact pathogenesis of depression remains unclear, but inflammatory processes are increasingly implicated.
  • Complement C1q is a key component of the innate immune system involved in inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare serum complement C1q levels in individuals diagnosed with MDD versus healthy controls.
  • To explore potential correlations between C1q levels and demographic factors such as age and sex within the study groups.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed.
  • Serum samples were collected from 508 MDD patients and 508 healthy controls.
  • Complement C1q levels were quantified using an immunotransmission turbidimetric assay.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in sex ratio or mean age between the MDD and control groups.
  • Serum C1q levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients with MDD compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05).
  • A significant positive correlation was identified between serum C1q levels and age within the MDD cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum complement C1q levels in MDD patients suggest its potential role as a biomarker for depression.
  • Further research is warranted to validate C1q as a diagnostic biomarker for major depressive disorder.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the link between inflammation and depression.
Abstract

Keywords:
Complement C1qinflammationmajor depressive disorder

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