Correlation between Aβ_1-42, Dnmt3a2, urinary AD7c-NTP and cognitive dysfunction in first-episode and recurrent MDD: A...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global mental health issue linked to cognitive dysfunction.
• Beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ1-42), DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt3a2), and urinary Alzheimer-associated neuronal thread protein (AD7c-NTP) are implicated in cognitive impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum Aβ1-42, Dnmt3a2, and urinary AD7c-NTP with cognitive dysfunction in MDD patients.

Main Methods:

• Included 59 MDD patients (29 first-episode MDD, 30 recurrent MDD) and 30 healthy controls.
• Cognitive function assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB).
• Serum and urinary protein levels measured via ELISA; statistical analysis performed using SPSS.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in serum Dnmt3a2 and urinary AD7c-NTP were observed across groups (P < 0.001).
• Serum Aβ1-42 negatively correlated with working memory in recurrent MDD (P=0.020).
• Serum Dnmt3a2 positively correlated with working memory and verbal learning in recurrent MDD (P=0.012, P=0.037).
• Urinary AD7c-NTP negatively correlated with verbal learning in first-episode MDD (P=0.013).

Conclusions:

• Serum Dnmt3a2 and Aβ1-42 may serve as biomarkers for cognitive impairment in recurrent MDD.
• Urinary AD7c-NTP is associated with cognitive dysfunction in first-episode MDD but not recurrent MDD.