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Altered gray matter volumes and plasma IL-6 level in major depressive disorder patients with suicidal ideation

Yingrui Guo1, Xiaowei Jiang2, Linna Jia1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.

Neuroimage. Clinical
|April 20, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation (MDD + S) shows decreased gray matter volume in the left cerebellum Crus I/II and increased plasma IL-6. These findings may illuminate the mechanisms of MDD + S.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Suicidal ideation (SI) is a severe consequence of major depressive disorder (MDD).
  • Understanding the specific mechanisms of MDD with SI (MDD + S) is critical for developing effective treatments.
  • Previous research has not established a consensus on the underlying mechanisms of MDD + S.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in gray matter volumes (GMVs) and plasma IL-6 levels in patients with MDD + S.
  • To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to MDD + S.

Main Methods:

  • Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (SMRI) and Luminex assays were used to collect data.
  • Participants included 34 healthy controls (HCs), 36 MDD patients without SI (MDD - S), and 34 MDD + S patients.
  • Partial correlation analyses were performed between GMVs and plasma IL-6 levels, controlling for covariates like age, sex, and medication.

Main Results:

  • MDD + S patients exhibited significantly decreased GMVs in the left cerebellum Crus I/II and elevated plasma IL-6 levels compared to HCs and MDD - S.
  • Both MDD + S and MDD - S groups showed decreased GMVs in the right precentral and postcentral gyri compared to HCs.
  • No significant correlation was found between GMVs and plasma IL-6 in MDD + S or MDD - S groups, but negative correlations were observed in the overall MDD group and HCs.

Conclusions:

  • Altered GMVs and plasma IL-6 levels may offer insights into the pathophysiology of MDD + S.
  • The findings suggest potential biomarkers for understanding and potentially treating MDD with suicidal ideation.
Keywords:
Gray matter volumesIL-6Major depressive disorderSuicidal ideation

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