The possible mediatory role of adipokines in the association between low carbohydrate diet and depressive symptoms among overweight and obese women

Abstract

Background Previous studies showed the possible association between obesity, dietary pattern, and depressive symptoms. Due to the lack of enough data to confirm the association of obesity and depression in the Middle East, here, we aimed to explore the possible mediatory role of adipokines Galectin-3, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) in the association between low carbohydrate diet (LCD) and depressive symptoms. Methods A total of 256 women aged 17–56 years old were grouped based on their LCD score. Depression anxiety stress scales-21 (DASS-21) self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate the three negative emotional states of stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. Body composition and dietary intake were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum levels of Galectin-3, TGF-β, and PAI-1. Results No significant difference was observed regarding Galectin-3, TGF-β, and PAI-1 levels between the groups with dissimilar adherence to LCD or the groups with different levels of depressive symptoms (P>0.05). However, there was a negative association between LCD score as a covariant and depressive symptoms as an independent variable (P = 0.02) and remarkably, a regression model linear analysis using Galectin-3, TGF-β, and PAI-1 as confounding variables indicated the mediatory role of these adipokines in this association (P>0.05). In other words, adipokines eliminated the significance of the relationship between adherence to LCD and depressive symptoms. Conclusion It seems that higher adherence to LCD is probably associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in obese adults through the mediatory role of adipokines.

Galectin-3 Involvement in Cognitive Processes for New Therapeutic Considerations

“…Depression was independently associated with higher levels of Gal-3 in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) ( Melin et al, 2020 ). Gal-3 could be included in the link between obesity and depressive symptoms in overweight and obese women ( Setayesh et al, 2021 ). According to the current state of knowledge, Gal-3 activity in cognitive functioning must be viewed from the standpoint of its role in systemic changes regulating inflammatory and metabolic processes of the whole organism.…”

Depression As a Potential Contributing Factor in Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Associated Racial Gaps

“…Adipokine levels such as elevated omentin-1 (a recently identified adipokine) were found to be altered in patients with HS compared with controls. 48 Results from clinical studies and meta-analyses of patients with depression also have demonstrated that adipokines are dysregulated in this population, 49,50 which may be another potential genetic link between depression and HS.…”

The Role of Adipokines in Health and Disease

“…Specifically, leptin plays a fundamental role in energy homeostasis and is produced by adipose tissue. This adipokine plays an essential role in appetite regulation through the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in the central nervous system [135]. This regulation allows metabolic expenditure to be increased and the sensation of hunger to be reduced.…”