Evaluation of hormonal and metabolic factors related to depression in reproductive age women

Abstract

Introduction. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent disease affecting women more than men worldwide. Various factors are involved in the genesis of depression, including hormones such as testosterone and certain metabolic factors Objective. To evaluate hormone levels and metabolic variables in women with major depression and healthy controls. Method. A cross-sectional, comparative analytical study was conducted in 40 participants, 23 patients with an MDD diagnosis and 17 controls, all of women in reproductive age between the ages of 18 and 45. Sociodemographic variables, hormonal profile, and metabolic variables were assessed and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale was used to evaluate depressive symptoms. Results. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the hormonal and metabolic variables explored. Nevertheless, it was observed that the lower the testosterone levels and the higher the serum glucose levels, the more intense depressive symptoms were. Discussion and conclusion. Testosterone is associated with a lower depressive symptoms score on the Hamilton Depression scale, suggesting a potential antidepressant effect, whereas high glucose levels are associated with a higher score on this scale. We believe that the measurement of hormonal and metabolic variables in women can contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of depression.

Gut Microbiota Metabolites in Major Depressive Disorder—Deep Insights into Their Pathophysiological Role and Potential Translational Applications

“…Instead, targeting the estrobolome in the prevention and treatment of these specific disorders could be an effective interesting approach, as estrogen levels may be directly influenced by the gut microbiota and women may benefit from the actions of these bacteria. It is also of note that some studies have reported that lower levels of testosterone but not estrogen were associated with more severe depressive symptoms in a group of 23 women with MDD [194]. In this context, Markle et al [195] reported that gut microbiota transplantation from male to female mice led to an augmentation of testosterone levels and metabolomic changes in females and future studies may consider the benefits from using testosterone-producer microorganisms to raise testosterone levels.…”

Environmental Pollution to Blame for Depressive Disorder?

“…In addition, phthalates can also promote a Th2 differentiation, the above has been reported in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological studies in asthma [38,39]. Some research groups have examined the serum levels of E2 in patients with MDD, which are around 85-127 pg/ml and 55 pg/ml in the female and male population, respectively [40,41]. To date there are many studies about the quantification of phthalates and bisphenols in different biological fluids [42][43][44][45].…”

Environmental Pollution to Blame for Depressive Disorder?

“…Some research groups have examined the serum levels of E2 in patients with MDD, which are around 85-127 pg/mL and 55 pg/mL in the female and male population, respectively [38,39]. To date, there are many studies about the quantification of phthalates and bisphenols in different biological fluids [40][41][42][43].…”