Vitamin D mitigates post-stroke depression by rescuing IL-6-mediated BDNF reduction.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a frequent complication following stroke.
• Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is prevalent in stroke patients, suggesting a potential link.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Vitamin D levels and PSD.
• To explore the underlying biological mechanisms connecting VD and PSD.

Main Methods:

• Assessed 390 acute ischemic stroke patients for PSD using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
• Developed a rat model for PSD and divided them into Vitamin D Normal, Deficiency, and Supplementation groups.
• Evaluated depression-like behaviors in rats using sucrose preference and forced swim tests.

Main Results:

• PSD patients exhibited significantly lower Vitamin D levels compared to non-depressed patients.
• Vitamin D deficiency in rats led to increased depression-like behaviors, elevated IL-6, and reduced BDNF.
• Vitamin D supplementation in rats reversed these depression-like behaviors and normalized IL-6 and BDNF levels.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency increases PSD risk, mediated by IL-6 and BDNF.
• Vitamin D supplementation shows potential as an effective intervention for PSD.
• Targeting Vitamin D may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for post-stroke depression.