Evaluation of plasma lipids and lipoproteins in nigerians suffering from depressive illness

Abstract

There are conflicting reports on the role of plasma lipids in depressive illness. Very little is known about the lipid and lipoprotein status in Nigerian adults suffering from depression. One hundred subjects consisting of sixty (60) depressed patients with mean age (40.3±12.3 yrs) and forty (40) apparently healthy controls (40.1±10.1 yrs) were selected for the study. All subjects were free from medication at least one month prior to the start of the experiment. The anthropometric indices were also determined. There was a significant increase in plasma triglyceride concentration in depressed subjects when compared to control values (p<0.01). However, the plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and body mass index (BMI) did not significantly differ from control values. The mean plasma triglyceride was significantly increased in female patients in comparison to corresponding female controls. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels did not demonstrate any definite pattern with increasing level of depression in patients. In conclusion, plasma lipid levels could play a significant role in depressive illness in Nigerians

Is low total cholesterol levels associated with suicide attempt in depressive patients?

“…No correlation was found in non-suicidal patients between lipid plasma levels and clinical assessments of depression and suicidal behavior. This result is in agreement with data of Onuegbu et al [ 42 ]. In suicidal patients, we found a negative correlation between total cholesterol levels and SSI score, meaning that suicidal ideations are present more in patients with low total cholesterol levels.…”

“…Our sample included more females than males with a history of attempted suicide. These data were confirmed by Onuegbu et al [ 42 ]. It is important to mention that the total plasma cholesterol level measured in women after a suicide attempt is significantly lower than women who had not attempted suicide.…”

Different cytokines and Lipid Profile in Suicidal and Non Suicidal Adults with Major depression

“…the patients ages ranging from18 to 48 years with mean of 36.91 yrs ± 10.3SD, and body mass index (BMI)range 16-36with mean of 25.98 kg/m2 ± 6.34 SD. Suicide attempt defined according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as "a non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with an intent to die as a result of the behavior" [19].…”