Association Between the C4 Binding Protein Level and White Matter Integrity in Major Depressive Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Immunology

Background:

• Neuroinflammation is implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD) pathophysiology.
• The link between serum C4 binding protein (C4BP) and white matter (WM) integrity in MDD remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum C4BP levels and WM tract integrity in individuals with MDD.
• To compare C4BP levels and WM integrity between MDD patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion tensor imaging and TRACULA analysis were used to assess WM tract integrity in 44 MDD patients and 44 healthy controls.
• Serum levels of C4-binding protein alpha chain (C4BPA) and beta chain (C4BPB) were measured.
• Correlations between serum C4BP and WM integrity metrics were examined.

Main Results:

• MDD patients exhibited higher serum C4BPA and C4BPB levels compared to healthy controls.
• Increased fractional anisotropy (FA), an indicator of WM integrity, was observed in the left cingulum-angular bundle (CAB) of MDD patients.
• A significant positive correlation was found between serum C4BP levels and FA in the right cingulum-cingulate gyrus bundle (CCG) in MDD.

Conclusions:

• This study establishes a novel correlation between serum C4BP levels and WM tract integrity in MDD.
• MDD is associated with increased WM integrity in the left CAB.
• Elevated serum C4BP levels in MDD correlate with enhanced WM integrity in the right CCG.