Increased plasma nesfatin-1 levels may be associated with corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels in patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the plasma nesfatin-1, corticosterone, and inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α) concentrations cross-sectionally in patients with major depressive disorder. MethodsSubjects in the patient group were randomly selected from the Anhui Mental Health Center, and subjects in the control group were selected from healthy volunteers. Healthy control subjects were matched in terms of weight and body mass index. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to evaluate both groups. ELISAs were used for the measurement of plasma nesfatin-1, corticosterone, IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α levels. ResultsThe HAM-D scores and average nesfatin-1, corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with major depressive disorder than those in the control group. Positive correlation was found between nesfatin-1 and corticosterone (r = 0.305, P = 0.007), IL-6 (r = 0.333, P = 0.003), and CRP (r = 0.244, P = 0.034) concentrations. ConclusionsIncreased plasma nesfatin-1 levels may be associated with corticosterone, IL-6, and CRP levels in patients with major depressive disorder.