Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mood in perimenopausal depression

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Major depression is linked to high pro-inflammatory biomarkers and low brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) shows higher BDNF with worse mood, indicating a hormonal influence.
• Perimenopausal depression has not been previously investigated in relation to these biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if BDNF and inflammatory cytokines predict mood symptoms during the menstrual cycle in perimenopausal women.
• To explore potential hormonal sensitivity in perimenopausal depression.

Main Methods:

• Collected data from 14 perimenopausal women (ages 38-52) across 1-2 cycles.
• Assessed mood symptoms (MADRS, BDI, POMS, SQ), BDNF levels, cytokines, and gonadal steroids at mid-to-late follicular and peri-menstrual phases.
• Utilized mixed-effects models to analyze relationships between biomarkers and mood outcomes, controlling for cycle number and participant.

Main Results:

• Elevated BDNF levels showed a significant positive association with increased severity of depression (MADRS), psychological distress (POMS), irritability (SQ), and overall depressive symptoms (BDI).
• The relationship between BDNF and mood symptoms was consistent across the menstrual cycle.
• No other inflammatory biomarkers consistently predicted affective symptom severity.

Conclusions:

• In perimenopausal depression, higher BDNF levels are associated with more severe mood symptoms.
• This pattern mirrors findings in hormonally-sensitive PMDD.
• Suggests a distinct hormonal biomarker profile for perimenopausal depression compared to major depression.