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Blood-based circRNA/miRNA biomarkers for modified electroconvulsive therapy efficacy and memory impairment in major
Shugui Gao1, Yuhong Ding1, Haihua Tian1
1Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University (Ningbo Kangning Hospital), Ningbo, China.
Background:
The mechanism of memory impairment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) after modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is still unclear. This study explored the role of the circular RNA-miRNA interaction network in MECT treatment of MDD to provide new evidence on the possible mechanism of memory impairment caused by MECT.
Methods:
Differentially expressed miRNAs in peripheral blood of patients with MDD before and after MECT were screened, and a prediction model for the circular RNA-miRNA interaction network was constructed based on this. Then, the relationship between MECT and the expression of circular RNA (circRNA) and miRNA was analyzed. Finally, the correlations among circRNA, miRNA and clinical symptoms and memory function in patients with MDD were analyzed.
Results:
After MECT, 26 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were found in peripheral blood of patients with MDD. According to the prediction model, three miRNAs were significantly downregulated and two circRNAs were significantly upregulated after MECT. In addition, the expression of miRNA was significantly correlated with that of circRNA. The circRNA-miRNA regulatory network was associated with multiple clinical symptoms and memory scores in patients with MDD treated with MECT.
Conclusion:
The circRNA-miRNA interaction network may be involved in the neuropsychiatric mechanism of MECT in the treatment of MDD. The expression levels of multiple regulatory factors in this network can be used as biomarkers to reflect the improvement of some symptoms and the risk of memory impairment in patients with MDD after MECT.
Insights
The circular RNA-miRNA network may explain memory impairment after modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) for major depressive disorder (MDD). Expression levels of these factors could serve as biomarkers for symptom improvement and memory risk in MDD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The mechanism of memory impairment following modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients remains unclear.
- This study investigates the role of circular RNA-miRNA interactions in MECT's effect on MDD, focusing on memory impairment mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the circular RNA-miRNA interaction network's involvement in MECT treatment for MDD.
- To identify potential biomarkers related to symptom improvement and memory impairment risk after MECT.
Main Methods:
- Screening of differentially expressed miRNAs in MDD patients' peripheral blood before and after MECT.
- Construction of a prediction model for the circRNA-miRNA interaction network.
- Analysis of correlations between circRNA, miRNA, clinical symptoms, and memory function.
Main Results:
- 26 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were identified post-MECT.
- Three miRNAs were downregulated and two circRNAs were upregulated, with significant correlations between their expressions.
- The circRNA-miRNA network was associated with clinical symptoms and memory scores in MDD patients.
Conclusions:
- The circRNA-miRNA interaction network is implicated in the neuropsychiatric mechanisms of MECT for MDD.
- Expression levels of circRNA and miRNA factors can serve as biomarkers for symptom improvement and memory impairment risk.

