Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Depression is very common in reproductive women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This study examined whether a measurement for beta‐arrestin1 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMC) could aid in the diagnosis of PMDD and support the results from questionnaires. DESIGN AND METHODS: 18‐42 years old non‐pregnant women at the luteal phase with the symptoms of PMS/PMDD, but not taking any antidepressants, were studied. The protein levels of beta‐arrestin1 in the PBMC were determined by ELISA and compared with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. The different criteria for Axis 1 mental disorders were compared. RESULTS: The criteria for Axis 1 mental disorders were significantly higher and beta arrestin1 protein levels in mononuclear leukocytes were significantly lower in women with depression (PMDD) as compared to no‐depression (PMS) group. The reduction in beta arrestin1 protein levels was significantly correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: These findings support the implication of beta‐arrestin1 protein in the pathophysiology of depression in women with PMDD. Beta‐arrestin1 measurements in women with PMDD may potentially serve for biochemical diagnostic purposes and might be useful as evidence‐based support for questionnaires.Grant Funding Source: U54 MD 007593 (NIMHD)
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