A Case Control Study of Oxidative Stress in A Sample of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Background: The relationship between depression and oxidative stress is considered bidirectional as both conditions can affect each other. The presence of depression increases the magnitude of oxidative stress state and therefore the morbidities associated with this state. The aim of this work was to prove the importance of early detection and management of mild to moderate depression (MMD) and to highlight the importance of family physician’s role in depression screening.

Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 45 patients aged from 18 to 45 years old, both sexes, diagnosed with depression according to diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders V criteria (Group 1) and 45 healthy control subjects matched for age and sex without history of psychiatric disorders or chronic medical disease (group 2). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and super oxide dismutase (SODs) were measured in all patients. Psychometric measurements were done through Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) 1996 (appendix 1), symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) Arabic version (SCL90), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Arabic version and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28).

Results: LDL was significantly higher in Group 1than Group 2. SODs were significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2. There was a negative correlation between Oxidized LDL and SCL- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and between SODs and (SCL hostility and SCL psychoticism). There was a positive correlation between SODs and (SCL somatization and paranoia). STAI and SCL score interpretation were significantly higher in negative group than positive group (P<0.05). 

Conclusions:

The severity of oxidative stress state was not correlated to severity of depression. This study's results go in concomitance with previous studies' results regarding the proven association between MMD and oxidative stress state, lack of association between degree of severity of both conditions, and the confirmed association of anxiety trait to oxidative stress state.