Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Levels in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Perimenopausal Women With Depression: A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study

Abstract

Objective The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is associated with the processing of negative emotions. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of mental disorders. We aimed to determine the changes in GABA levels in the ACC of perimenopausal women with depression. Methods We recruited 120 perimenopausal women, who were followed up for 18–24 months. After reaching menopause, the participants were divided into a control group ( n = 71), an anxiety group ( n = 30), and a depression group ( n = 19). The participants were examined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). TARQUIN software was used to calculate the GABA concentrations in the ACC before and after menopause. The relationship of the GABA levels with the patients’ scores on the 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Scale and 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale was determined. Results GABA decreased with time. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower in the depression group than in the anxiety group and were significantly lower in both these groups than in the normal group. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower than the premenopausal levels in the normal, anxiety, and depression groups ( P = 0.014, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The premenopausal GABA levels did not significantly differ between the normal vs. anxiety group ( P = 0.907), normal vs. depression group ( P = 0.495), and anxiety vs. depression group. The postmenopausal GABA levels were significantly lower in the depression group than in the anxiety group and were significantly lower in both these groups than in the normal group, normal vs. anxiety group ( P = 0.022), normal vs. depression group ( P < 0.001), and anxiety vs. depression group ( P = 0.047). Conclusion Changes in GABA concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex are related with the pathophysiological mechanism and symptoms of perimenopausal depression.

GABAergic dysfunction, neural network hyperactivity and memory impairments in human aging and Alzheimer’s disease

“…Moreover, GABA levels may vary across the menstrual cycle, suggesting that the GABAergic system may be modulated by endocrine system in females [ 257 ]. Changes in the female hormonal system during the lifespan may also affect GABAergic system, as GABA levels decrease after menopause [ 258 ]. Importantly, estrogen deficiency has been associated with an increased risk for dementia, and replacement therapy may be useful to reduce this risk [ 259 ].…”

Recent Studies on Anti-Depressant Bioactive Substances in Selected Species from the Genera Hemerocallis and Gladiolus: A Systematic Review

“…As suggested in many reports, this fact and the results of studies in mice, e.g., the role of agonists of cannabinoid 1 receptor signaling in the modulation of microglial activity acting through GABAergic interneurons, the issue of the neuroprotective effects of biologically active substances should be taken into consideration [30,31]. Reduced GABA levels have been detected in patients with depression, including women in the postmenopausal period [32]. An important role in providing protection for nerve cells is also played by chaperones described by Kurek et al [33], who investigated the regulators of glucocorticoid receptor function in an animal model of depression and obesity.…”

Acupuncture: A Promising Approach for Comorbid Depression and Insomnia in Perimenopause

“…96 Among women with PMD, the decreased GABA concentrations were found mainly in the anterior cingulate cortex, which is usually activated by diverse tasks including emotion processing and regulation and is closely associated with the occurrence and development of depression. 139 The GABAergic system and GABAergic neurosteroids show potential involvements in the etiology of PMD, as women whose GABARAR receptor fails to adjust to the rapid change in neurosteroid levels may be more prone to PMD. 133 The effect of acupuncture in reinstating reduced hippocampal GABA content in rats with depression has been widely investigated and confirmed.…”