Analysis of Plasma Zinc and Copper Concentration, and Perceived Symptoms, in Individuals with Depression, Post Zinc and Anti-Oxidant Therapy

Abstract

Aim:To assess plasma Zn and Cu levels in individuals with depression.Subjects and methods:Plasma from 73 clinically depressed individuals, 38 individuals with anxiety and 16 controls were tested for plasma Zn and Cu concentration using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.Results:Depressed individuals, with and without secondary anxiety, had decreased plasma Zn and elevated plasma Cu compared to controls. Zn normalized (increased to the level of normal controls) but Cu increased in individuals with depression (with and without secondary anxiety), after Zn therapy, whereas both plasma Zn increased and Cu levels decreased in anxiety, with and without secondary depression, after Zn therapy. Individuals with depression,with and without secondary anxiety, had significantly higher symptom severity when compared to neurotypical controls. Symptom severity in individuals with anxiety (both with and without secondary depression) significantly decreased after Zn therapy, whereas symptoms remained the same in individuals with primary depression.Discussion:These data show an association between Zn and Cu plasma levels and clinically depressed individuals, and suggest that high Cu levels are associated with high symptom severity.

The serum zinc concentration as a potential biological marker in patients with major depressive disorder

“…Our findings are in a good agreement with most reports, which demonstrated reduced zinc concentration in the blood (serum, plasma) of depressed patients (Maes et al 1994, 1997, 1999; Russo 2011; McLoughlin and Hodge 1990; Siwek et al 2010; Schlegel-Zawadzka et al 2000; Siwek et al 2013; Roozbeh et al 2011; Irmisch et al 2010; Amani et al 2010; Salimi et al 2008; Wójcik et al 2006; Little et al 1989). However, in some studies blood zinc concentrations did not differ between depressed patients and control healthy volunteers group (Ranjbar et al 2013; Narang et al 1991; Gronli et al 2013; Nguyen et al 2009; Manser et al 1989; Salustri et al 2010).…”

“…Numerous clinical studies confirm the role of zinc deficiency in the development of depressive symptoms in a course of major depressive disorder (MDD) (Szewczyk et al 2011; Gapys et al 2014; Maes et al 1994, 1997; Russo 2011; Swardfager et al 2013a, b; McLoughlin and Hodge 1990; Narang et al 1991; Gronli et al 2013; Siwek et al 2010; Nguyen et al 2009; Schlegel-Zawadzka et al 2000; Siwek et al 2013). Some of these show correlation between zinc deficiency and drug-resistance in patients (Ranjbar et al 2013; Russo 2011; Swardfager et al 2013a).…”

“…Zinc ions also play a role in the regulation of immune system and inflammation processes, influencing the level of some inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin 6, IL-6; tumor necrosis factor α, TNFα; or interleukin 1β, IL-1β) (Szewczyk et al 2011; Gapys et al 2014; Maes et al 1994, 1997, 1999; Maret and Sandstead 2006; Maserejian et al 2012; Ranjbar et al 2013; Russo 2011). It has also been shown that Zn concentration declines during the inflammatory state (Bonaventura et al 2015).…”

“…By influencing those receptors in the specific brain areas Zn 2+ indirectly modulates synaptic plasticity, regulate neuronal signal transduction, and other processes, like memory and learning (Paoletti et al 2009; Yu et al 2013; Grabrucker 2014). Furthermore, zinc affects emotional lability, psychomotor functions, attention (Szewczyk et al 2011; Swardfager et al 2013a), irritability (Russo 2011) and other emotional, executive and cognitive functions (Szewczyk et al 2011; Maes et al 1994, 1997; Swardfager et al 2013a; McLoughlin and Hodge 1990; Narang et al 1991; Salari et al 2015). …”

“…Some of these show correlation between zinc deficiency and drug-resistance in patients (Ranjbar et al 2013; Russo 2011; Swardfager et al 2013a). It is also proven, that some antidepressants can influence both the blood and brain zinc level (Siwek et al 2010; Nowak et al 2005).…”