Gender differences of plasma glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor levels in patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Objective To investigate gender differences of plasma glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods MDD subjects (male 20, female 36) and healthy controls (HCs) (male 35, female 45) were divided into four groups by gender. Plasma levels of GDNF were measured and compared in different gender groups. The clinical symptom severity of MDD patients was evaluated by 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA-17). Results (1)The plasma GDNF level in male patients with major depressive disorder((1.55±0.43)pg/ml) was significantly lower than that in healthy controls((1.86±0.50)pg/ml, F=4.64, P=0.036). There was no significant difference in GDNF level between female depression patients((1.62±0.46)pg/ml)) and female healthy control((1.64±0.48)pg/ml, F=0.18, P=0.672). In HCs, the GDNF level of male was significantly higher than that of female((1.86±0.50)pg/ml, (1.64±0.48)pg/ml, F=2.04, P=0.045). There was no significant difference in GDNF level between male and female patients(P>0.05). (2) GDNF level in male patients with major depressive disorder was negatively correlated with HAMA score(r=-0.388, P=0.034). Conclusion The expression of GDNF is affected by sex factors, which may be related to the different pathogenesis of MDD. Key words: Major depressive disorder; Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor; Gender