Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0011570 (depression)
 172,036 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The Hordaland Homocysteine Study (HHS) is a population-based study of more than 18,000 men and women in the county of Hordaland in Western Norway. The first investigation (HHS-I) took place in 1992-93, when the subjects were aged 40-67 y. In 1997-99, a follow-up study (HHS-II) of 7,053 subjects was carried out. In this large population, plasma levels of total homocysteine (tHcy) are associated with several physiologic and lifestyle factors and common diseases. Increasing age, male sex, smoking, coffee consumption, high blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profile, high creatinine, and the MTHFR 677C > T polymorphism are among the factors associated with increased tHcy levels; physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and a good folate or vitamin B-12 status are associated with lower tHcy levels. Subjects with raised tHcy levels have increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality, and are more likely to suffer from depression and from cognitive deficit (elderly). Among women, raised tHcy levels are associated with decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of osteoporosis. Women with raised tHcy levels also have an increased risk of having suffered from pregnancy complications and an adverse pregnancy outcome. Significant associations between tHcy and clinical outcomes are usually observed for tHcy levels > 15 micromol/L, but for most conditions, there is a continuous concentration-response relation with no apparent threshold concentration. Overall, the findings from HHS indicate that a raised tHcy level is associated with multiple clinical conditions, whereas a low tHcy level is associated with better physical and mental health.
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PMID:The Hordaland Homocysteine Study: a community-based study of homocysteine, its determinants, and associations with disease. 1670 48

Homocysteine levels are affected by diet factors such as vitamin deficiencies, non-diet factors such as genetic disorders, and stress exposure. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been implicated in several disorders, including cardiovascular disease, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Since sex differences play a role both in stress responses and in susceptibility to various diseases, the objective of this study was to evaluate possible alterations in homocysteine metabolism including cysteine, folate, and vitamin B(6), and oxidative stress markers in female rats exposed to different types of acute stress. Female rats were randomly distributed into eight groups according to stress manipulation (restraint, swimming, cold and control) and estrous cycle (diestrus and estrus). In general no significant differences were seen between rats in estrus and diestrus. Restraint stress was the only type of stress that altered homocysteine concentrations (+33% relative to controls). An increase in levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and a decrease in total glutathione (GSHt) concentration were also observed in animals subjected to restraint and swimming stress, suggesting the possibility of oxidative damage. Thus, both the homocysteine results and the oxidative stress data indicated that restraint stress was the most powerful stress manipulation in female rats, as previously observed in male rats. These findings indicate that hormonal and gonadal differences do not interfere with stress responses related to homocysteine metabolism and suggest that putative gender-related differences in homocysteine responses are probably not involved in the differential prevalence of some diseases in human males and females.
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PMID:Acute stressor-selective effects on homocysteine metabolism and oxidative stress parameters in female rats. 1705 2

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels have been found in different psychiatric disorders, including major depression and eating disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether presence of depression or depressive symptoms is associated with elevated homocysteine levels in patients with eating disorders. Total plasma homocysteine levels were assessed in 44 females with anorexia nervosa (n = 21) or bulimia nervosa (n = 23). Comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria using a semi-structured interview (SCID-I). Furthermore, depressive symptoms were assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Presence of MDD was not associated with elevated homocysteine levels (t-test: T = 0.42; df = 42; P = 0.68). However, self-rated presence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms (BDI score18) was associated with elevated homocysteine (T = -2.8; df = 42; P = 0.008). Presence of depressive symptoms may explain elevated homocysteine levels previously reported in patients with eating disorders or vice versa. Longitudinal studies are needed to unravel this hen or egg problem.
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PMID:Depressive symptoms may explain elevated plasma levels of homocysteine in females with eating disorders. 1718 57

This study examined whether six days recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) affected psychological profile in an abstinent androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) abusing group, compared with an abstinent AAS control group. Male subjects (n = 48) were assigned in a random fashion into one of two groups: (1): (n=24) control group (C); (2): (n=24) rhGH group (GH). A hospital anxiety scale (HADS) questionnaire was completed by all subjects. Physiological responses investigated included anthropometry. Biochemical markers examined included; serum glucose, sodium, urea, lipid profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homocysteine (HCY), tetra-iodothyronine (T4), thyroid stimulating (TSH), luteinising (LH) and follicle stimulating (FSH) hormones, testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL), cortisol and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-I). HADS questionnaire significantly decreased in both anxiety (A) and depression (D) symptoms within GH (P<0.017) and compared with C (P<0.05). Body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) significantly increased (both P<0.017) while body fat significantly decreased within GH (P<0.017). IGF-I significantly increased within GH (P<0.017) and significantly increased compared with C (P<0.05). Serum sodium significantly increased (P<0.017) and serum HCY, hsCRP, TSH and T4, significantly decreased within GH (all P<0.017). PRL significantly increased and T4 significantly decreased compared with C (both P<0.05). The findings of this study suggest that short term use of rhGH has beneficial effects on mental state in individuals who were previous abusers of AAS and appeared to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk markers associated with adverse mental health.
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PMID:Recombinant human growth hormone in abstinent androgenic-anabolic steroid use: psychological, endocrine and trophic factor effects. 1731 40

We present a case in which mfERG and OCT helped to make a diagnosis of an old BRAO in the setting of compound heterozygous MTHFR genotype. A 44-year-old woman presented for evaluation of a 10 month history of persistently cloudy vision OS. She had been worked up previously for MS versus BRAO, and she was on coumadin, folate, and multivitamin at the time of presentation. The patient has a fraternal twin sister who was diagnosed with MS. Dilated fundus examination OS showed subtle inferior optic atrophy with slight narrowing of the inferotemporal retinal artery, and HVF test revealed a superonasal depression OS. mfERG also showed superonasal depression OS. Retinal origin of the chief complaint was further confirmed by OCT, which showed thinning of the NFL in the corresponding region of the retina OS. Coagulopathy evaluation revealed C677T/A1298C compound heterozygous genotype for MTHFR, and plasma homocysteine level after 6 months of folate and multivitamin supplementation was 10 microM (reference range 4-10 microM). The patient was diagnosed with BRAO and maintained on coumadin therapy.
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PMID:Branch retinal artery occlusion associated with compound heterozygous genotype for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. 1735 7

Folic acid is a vitamin B essential for the integrity and function of DNA. Relative deficiency of folic acid may occur in conditions such as pregnancy and hyperproliferative or chronic inflammatory disorders. Folic acid supplementation has been proven to be beneficial in the prevention of neural tube defects and in limiting methotrexate side effects, and may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Folate is a critical vitamin in determining plasma homocysteine levels, which in turn is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The results of large clinical trials with dietary supplementation of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 have shown that this homocysteine-lowering therapy is effective in the secondary prevention of non-fatal strokes, but had no effect in the prevention of fatal cardiovascular diseases. Hyperhomocysteinemia has also been reported in age-related neurological conditions with cognitive impairment (e.g. dementia), and psychiatric disorders such as depression. Elevated homocysteine levels are frequent in patients with chronic immune-mediated disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which have in common a tendency to an accelerated atherosclerosis leading to increased deaths from cardiovascular events. Folic acid supplementation appears as a reasonable therapeutic option in patients affected by chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as moderate to severe psoriasis; in particular, those with concomitant hyperhomocysteinemia, low plasma folate and additional cardiovascular risk factors.
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PMID:Folic acid in general medicine and dermatology. 1753 1

High levels of homocysteine are associated with cerebrovascular disease, monoamine neurotransmitters, and depression of mood. A plausible hypothesis for these associations is that high homocysteine levels cause cerebral vascular disease and neurotransmitter deficiency, which cause depression of mood. The homocysteine depression hypothesis, if true, would mandate inclusions of imaging studies for cerebrovascular disease and measures of homocysteine, folate, and B12 and B6 vitamins in the clinical evaluation of older depressed patients. Longitudinal studies and clinical trials should be designed to challenge the hypothesis.
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PMID:The homocysteine hypothesis of depression. 1789 55

Lowering plasma low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), blood pressure, homocysteine, and preventing platelet aggregation using a combination of a statin, three blood pressure lowering drugs such as a thiazide, a beta blocker, and an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor each at half standard dose; folic acid; and aspirin - called as polypill - was estimated to reduce cardiovascular events by approximately 80%. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their long-chain metabolites and other products prevent platelet aggregation, lower blood pressure, reduce LDL-C, and ameliorate the adverse actions of homocysteine. Thus, EFAs and their metabolites show all the actions expected of the "polypill". Unlike the proposed "polypill", EFAs are endogenous molecules, have no significant side effects, can be taken orally for long periods of time even by pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children; and have been shown to reduce the incidence cardiovascular diseases. I propose that a rational combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is as beneficial as that of the "polypill"; and may even show additional benefit in the prevention of depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and enhance cognitive function.
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PMID:Do polyunsaturated fatty acids behave like an endogenous "polypill"? 1762 83

Despite intensive evaluation of acute stroke patients, perhaps only half of the attributable stroke risk is usually identified. In addition to traditional and non-traditional vascular risk factors-including most recently homocysteine, inflammation, and alterations of coagulation-a number of environmental risk factors for stroke have been identified in the last decade. In this update we review the following: lower education and poor socioeconomic status (probable surrogates for exposure to traditional high-risk behaviors such as smoking, poor nutrition, lack of prenatal control, absence of preventive medical and dental care, and non-compliance of treatment of conditions such as hypertension); depression, stress and affective disorders; obstructive sleep apnea; passive smoking and environmental pollution; infections, in particular periodontal diseases that increase C-reactive protein (CRP); raised body mass index (obesity); exercise, and diet. The possible role of high-fructose corn syrup in the epidemic of obesity in the USA is reviewed. Protective diets include higher consumption of fish, olive oil, grains, fruits and vegetables (Mediterranean diet), as well as probiotic bacteria in yogurt and dairy products. Careful attention should be given to the patient's environment looking for modifiable factors. The effects of clean environmental air and water, adequate diet and appropriate nutrition, healthy teeth, exercise, and refreshing sleep in the prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease appear to be quite compelling. Although some of these modifiable risk factors lack evidence-based information, judicious clinical sense should be used to counteract the potentially damaging effects of adverse environmental vascular risk factors.
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PMID:Environmental vascular risk factors: new perspectives for stroke prevention. 1765 71

Elevated concentration of total homocysteine (Hcy) in plasma (> 12 micromol/l) is a risk factor for several diseases of the central nervous system. Epidemiological studies have shown a dose-dependent relationship between concentrations of Hcy and the risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Hcy is a marker for B-vitamin deficiency (folate, B12, B6). Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) causes hypomethylation which is an important mechanism that links Hcy to dementia. Supplementation with vitamins B aims at reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Current evidence suggests that Hcy-lowering treatment has a positive effect for the secondary and primary prevention of stroke. HHcy is very common in patients with Parkinson disease particularly those who receive L-dopa treatment. Furthermore, a positive association has been reported between HHcy and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, HHcy and vitamin B deficiency are reported to have a causal role in depression, and epilepsy. In addition several anti-epileptic drugs cause secondary HHcy. Therefore, sufficient intakes of the vitamins are recommended for patients who have already developed neuropsychiatric diseases. Vitamin B deficiency should be suspected in children with development disorders, failure to thrive and unexplained neurological manifestations. Elderly people are also an important at-risk group where vitamin B deficiency and HHcy have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Treatment with folate, B12, and B6 can improve cerebral function. Preventive vitamin B supplementation and sufficient intake seem very important for secondary and primary prevention of neuropsychiatric disorders, especially in subjects with a low intake or status of the vitamins.
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PMID:[Review of the role of hyperhomocysteinemia and B-vitamin deficiency in neurological and psychiatric disorders--current evidence and preliminary recommendations]. 1772 91


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