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Impact of Nano-Selenium supplementation on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in major depressive disorder: a
Morvarid Noormohammadi1,2, Farnaz Etesam3, Ali Amini4
1Nutritional Sciences Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition, wherein the JAK/STAT signaling pathway serves as a potent cellular mechanism implicated in its pathophysiology. Increased expression of JAK2, STAT3, and subsequently IDO1 genes appears to be linked to depressive symptoms. With their antioxidant capabilities and improved absorption due to the nano formula, selenium nanoparticles could potentially modulate this molecular pathway. This study aimed to assess the impact of nano-selenium supplementation on the expression of JAK2, STAT3, and IDO1 genes in patients with MDD.
Methods:
A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the Psychosomatic Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex. A total of 50 participants, newly diagnosed with MDD were randomized to either a nano-selenium (55 µg/day) or placebo group for 12 weeks. All participants were receiving their standard treatment (sertraline 50 mg/day). Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention to measure the gene expression using RT-qPCR.
Results:
At the end of the study, both groups showed reductions in JAK2 and STAT3 relative gene expression after 12 weeks (P < 0.05). Although the reduction was more in the nano-selenium group, the between-group differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
This study is the first to examine nano-selenium as a novel potential adjunct treatment for MDD. Though the degree of reduction in JAK2 and STAT3 levels was greater within the nano-selenium group, it appears that additional investigations are needed to elucidate its effects.
Trial Registration:
The research received approval from the Research Ethics Committees of Iran University of Medical Sciences (Approval ID: IR IUMS.REC.1402.206, dated 2023-06-13) and was duly registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT; registration number: IRCT20091114002709N62, dated 2023-07-29).
Insights
Nano-selenium supplementation showed a trend towards reducing JAK2 and STAT3 gene expression in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. Further research is needed to confirm nano-selenium
Area of Science:
- Molecular Psychiatry
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) pathophysiology involves the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
- Increased JAK2, STAT3, and IDO1 gene expression correlates with depressive symptoms.
- Nano-selenium, with antioxidant properties, may modulate this pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of nano-selenium supplementation on JAK2, STAT3, and IDO1 gene expression in MDD patients.
- To assess nano-selenium as a potential adjunct therapy for MDD.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week, triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
- 50 newly diagnosed MDD patients received nano-selenium (55 µg/day) or placebo, alongside standard sertraline treatment (50 mg/day).
- Gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR) of JAK2, STAT3, and IDO1 from blood samples at baseline and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Both nano-selenium and placebo groups exhibited reduced JAK2 and STAT3 gene expression post-intervention (P < 0.05).
- The nano-selenium group demonstrated a greater reduction in JAK2 and STAT3 expression compared to placebo.
- The difference in gene expression reduction between the groups did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to explore nano-selenium as an adjunct treatment for MDD.
- While nano-selenium showed a greater reduction in JAK2 and STAT3, further investigation is required.
- Additional studies are needed to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of nano-selenium in MDD.
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