Late-Life Depression is Associated With Increased Levels of GDF-15, a Pro-Aging Mitokine

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) in older adults is associated with accelerated physiological and cognitive aging.
• Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a key player in biological aging and age-related diseases.
• Elevated GDF-15 levels are linked to increased chronological age and mortality risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate circulating GDF-15 levels in older adults with MDD.
• To assess the association of GDF-15 with depression severity, physical comorbidity, age of onset, and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Circulating GDF-15 levels were assayed in 393 older adults (308 with MDD, 85 controls).
• Statistical analyses adjusted for confounding variables.

Main Results:

• Older adults with MDD exhibited significantly higher serum GDF-15 levels compared to controls.
• In depressed individuals, high GDF-15 correlated with increased physical illness burden, poorer executive cognitive function, and a higher likelihood of late-onset depression.

Conclusions:

• Late-life depression is associated with GDF-15, a biomarker of accelerated biological aging.
• GDF-15 represents a novel, potentially targetable pathway linking depression and accelerated aging, including cognitive decline.