Is serum complement C1q related to major depressive disorder?

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.