The content of N-acetylaspartate in depressed elderly patients during therapy with antidepressants and actovegin

Abstract

To assess the plasma level of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) before and after combined therapy with antidepressants and actovegin in a group of elderly patients diagnosed with depression. Nineteen patients, 7 men and 12 women, mean age 70.5±5.8 years, were studied using clinical examination and psychometric scales as well as computed tomography (CT). NAA plasma levels were determined. The duration of treatment with antidepressants (venlafaxine, fluvoxamine) and actovegin was 28 days, patients were examined at baseline and on the 28th day of treatment. The NAA plasma level was reduced in patients compared to healthy volunteers. The increase of this indicator after treatment reflected a significant improvement on clinical and psychometric measures. The dynamics of NAA changes (increase or decrease) showed heterogeneity in the group of patients, which was not related to the efficacy of treatment but was correlated with comorbid diseases, in particular vascular diseases, and CT changes (leukoaraiosis). The authors consider the results of this study as preliminary.