Association between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms in the US adult population, NHANES (2011–2016)

Abstract

Background Evidence suggests that alterations in serum trace element concentrations are closely associated with mental illness. However, ​studies on the relationship between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms are limited and with controversial results. We aimed to investigate the association between serum concentrations of these trace elements and depressive symptoms in US adults. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011–2016) were used in this cross-sectional study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9) was employed to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between the serum concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium and depressive symptoms. Results A total of 4552 adults were included. Subjects with depressive symptoms had higher serum copper concentrations (123.88 ± 1.87) than those without depressive symptoms (116.99 ± 0.86) (p < 0.001). In Model 2, weighted logistic regression analysis showed that the second (Q2) quartile of zinc concentrations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.534, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.018 to 2.313) were significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that the third (Q3) and fourth (Q4) quartiles of copper concentrations (Q3: OR = 2.699, 95% CI: 1.285 to 5.667; Q4: OR = 2.490, 95% CI: 1.026 to 6.046) were also positively associated with depressive symptoms in obese individuals after controlling for all confounders. However, no significant relationship between serum selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms was observed. Conclusions Obese US adults with high serum copper concentrations, as well as US adults in general with low serum zinc concentrations, were susceptible to depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the causal mechanisms underlying these relationships need to be further explored.

The Role of Copper Overload in Modulating Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

“…Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey further suggest a possible role for copper metabolism derangement in the development of depressive symptoms. From a total of 4552 individuals who are adult, Huang et al reported a significant association between higher serum copper concentrations and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)-defined depressive symptoms [ 116 ]. Higher peripheral copper has also been reported to be associated with a higher frequency of mild cognitive impairment, with a stronger association among individuals who are elderly and male [ 117 ].…”

Genetic Causal Associations between Various Serum Minerals and Risk of Depression: A Mendelian Randomization Study

“…Depressed patients are more likely to exhibit inadequate zinc levels compared to healthy individuals, making zinc a potential biological marker for depressive disorders [ 23 , 24 ]. Several studies have supported the efficacy of zinc supplementation as an adjunct to antidepressant therapy [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Siwek et al .’s [ 28 ] study showed that zinc supplementation can help reduce depression scores and facilitate the treatment of patients resistant to antidepressants.…”

Mechanisms of 3-Hydroxyl 3-Methylglutaryl CoA Reductase in Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Oxidative stress is associated with the overproduction of ROS. Nevertheless, increased intracellular ROS caused by high oxysterol may alter cellular protein levels, trigger neuronal apoptosis, and activate inflammatory pathways in neurons [ 64 ]. Oxidative stress is an early event in the pathogenesis of AD [ 65 ].…”