Telomere length and telomerase activity of leukocytes as biomarkers of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor responses in patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

We analyze the leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and telomerase activity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) before and after treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Before treatment, there was a reduction in the LTLs and expression levels of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in the patients with MDD compared with controls. However, after 24 weeks of treatment with SSRIs, there was a significant increase in the LTLs and the expression levels of hTERT, with values approaching those observed in the controls. We conclude that SSRI antidepressant therapy can directly influence the increased expression levels of hTERT in patients.

A healthy lifestyle is positively associated with mental health and well-being and core markers in ageing

“…As for TL, we did not find an association with any of the mental health and well-being outcomes. Previous studies in adults showed a lower TL in association with current but not remitted anxiety disorder [ 81 ], depressive [ 82 ] and major depressive disorder [ 73 , 83 ], childhood trauma [ 84 ] suicide [ 77 , 85 ], depressive symptoms in younger adults [ 86 ] and acculturative stress and postpartum depression in Latinx women [ 87 ]. Also, in a meta-analysis, psychiatric disorders overall were associated with a shorter leucocyte TL [ 88 ].…”

The Relevance of Telomerase and Telomere-Associated Proteins in B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

“…Mutation markers, such as PAX5-P80R and IKZF1-N159Y , are also used as biomarkers. Moreover, small telomere and telomerase activities have been reported as potential biomarkers in different oncological patients [ 42 , 43 , 44 ]. Furthermore, telomere maintenance and hTERT expression are being considered as potential targets in leukemia [ 45 , 46 , 47 ].…”