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BMP-7 links delayed memory impairment to severity of anhedonia in depression: A mediation model

Shiting Yuan1, Pan Jing2, Xueying Zhang1

  • 1Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu Province, China; Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu Province, China.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|June 27, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anhedonia in major depressive disorder is linked to unique inflammatory markers. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) may be a key inflammatory factor connecting delayed memory deficits and anhedonia.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Anhedonia is a core symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), associated with cognitive impairment and increased suicide risk.
  • Investigating the link between inflammatory markers and anhedonia is crucial for understanding MDD.
  • This study explores the relationship between specific inflammatory markers and anhedonia in MDD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between serum inflammatory markers and anhedonia in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).
  • To identify potential inflammatory pathways underlying anhedonia and its relationship with cognitive function.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 74 MDD patients and 70 healthy controls.
  • Stratified MDD patients into anhedonic (A_MDD) and non-anhedonic (nA_MDD) groups.
  • Measured serum levels of BMP-7, BMP-9, BMP-10, IL-7, and IL-10, alongside cognitive function and clinical symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Anhedonic MDD patients showed poorer performance in language and delayed memory compared to non-anhedonic patients.
  • Elevated BMP-7 and decreased IL-10 levels were observed in A_MDD patients.
  • BMP-7 levels correlated negatively with anhedonia severity and positively with depressive symptoms, while IL-10 correlated positively with anhedonia and cognitive function.

Conclusions:

  • Anhedonia in MDD is characterized by distinct inflammatory immune profiles.
  • Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) emerges as a significant inflammatory marker potentially linking delayed memory deficits to anhedonia.
  • BMP-7 may play a crucial role in the inflammatory pathway affecting anhedonia in MDD.
Keywords:
AnhedoniaBMP-7Delayed memoryDepressionIL-10

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