Polygenic risk for depression is associated with post-stroke depression and stroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Depression is highly heritable, but its genetic links to post-stroke depression (PSD) remain understudied.
• Understanding the genetic pathway from stroke to PSD is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of genetic susceptibility to depression in the development of post-stroke depression (PSD).
• To examine the association between polygenic risk scores for depression and the incidence of stroke and PSD.

Main Methods:

• A case-control genetic association study using UK Biobank data.
• Utilized polygenic risk scores (PRS) for depression, analyzed in deciles and tertiles.
• Adjusted logistic and survival regression models for age, sex, and principal genetic components.

Main Results:

• Individuals in the highest decile of depression PRS had a 3.32-fold increased risk of developing PSD.
• For depression within one year post-stroke, the highest PRS decile showed an 11.39-fold increased odds of PSD.
• Higher polygenic risk for depression was also associated with an increased risk of stroke itself.

Conclusions:

• Genetic factors are pivotal in the pathogenesis of PSD.
• Polygenic susceptibility to depression is significantly associated with both stroke risk and the likelihood of developing PSD.