NLRP3 Inflammasome, NEK7 and Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

BackgroundAssociation between inflammation and depression has been known for a long time. Activation of pro-inflammatory molecular complexes such as inflammasomes in depression was suggested as the most relevant hypothesis among many others. Psychological stress is considered to cause sterile inflammation through inflammasomes, and the NLRP3 inflammasome was proposed as a crucial molecule for the pro-inflammatory response in depression.ObjectiveIn the current study, we aimed to explore the relationship of NLRP3 inflammasome and its regulatory protein NEK7 with major depressive disorder in a drug naïve study sample.MethodsIn total 58 patients with major depressive disorder and 58 age and gender-matched healthy persons were included. The mRNA expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and NEK7 coding proteins were evaluated with quantitative PCR, plasma IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA.ResultsPatients with major depressive disorder had higher gene expressions of NLRP3 (p= 0.03) and ASC (p= 0.002) compared to healthy persons. Higher gene expressions of NLRP3 (OR= 1.17, 95% CI= 1.01, 1.37, p= 0.04), ASC (OR= 1.45, 95% CI= 1.15, 1.82, p= 0.002) and NEK7 (OR= 1.33, 95% CI= 1.08, 1.63, p= 0.007) were related to the increased likelihood of having major depressive disorder.ConclusionThe results of this study support the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the increased risk for major depressive disorder.