Researchers may have identified a promising new approach to diagnosing and treating major depression in its early stages, which could improve the chances of recovery for many patients.
Scientists from the University of Queensland teamed up with researchers from the University of Minnesota to examine levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), known as the “energy currency” molecule, in the brains and blood cells of young people with depression.
Associate Professor Susanna Tye from the UQ Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) said the findings marked the first time researchers had detected patterns of these fatigue-related molecules in both the brain and bloodstream of young people with major depressive disorder (MDD).
“This suggests that symptoms of depression may be rooted in fundamental changes in how the brain and blood cells use energy,” said Dr. Tai.
“Fatigue is a common and difficult-to-treat symptom of MDD, and it can take years to find an appropriate treatment for this disease.
“While progress in developing new treatments is limited due to a lack of research, we are hopeful that this important advance may lead to early intervention and more targeted treatments.”
Study looked at brain scans and blood samples
For the study, a team from the University of Minnesota collected brain scans and blood samples from 18 participants between the ages of 18 and 25 who had been diagnosed with MDD.
Researchers from the Queensland Brain Research Institute then tested those samples and compared them with samples taken from people who did not suffer from depression.
Unexpected energy patterns within cells
QBI researcher Dr. Roger Varela said the research team observed abnormal patterns in the cells of participants with depression. Cells produce higher levels of energy molecules when at rest, but under stress they struggle to increase energy production.
“This suggests that cells may be overworking during the early stages of the disease, which may lead to long-term problems,” Dr. Varela said.
“This was surprising because energy production in cells would be expected to be reduced in depressed people.
“Our findings suggest that in the early stages of depression, the ability of the brain and body’s mitochondria to cope with high energy demands is reduced, which may contribute to low mood, decreased motivation, and decreased cognitive function.”
Findings could help reduce stigma and improve treatment
Dr. Varela said this study may also help change the way people understand depression.
“This shows that multiple changes are occurring in the body, including the brain and blood, and that depression affects energy at a cellular level,” he said.
“We also have evidence that not all depression is the same, and each patient has a different biology and is affected differently by each patient.
“We hope this research will lead to more specific and effective treatment options.”
The study was led by Katie Cullen, MD, of the University of Minnesota, and the imaging method used to measure ATP production in the brain was developed by Professors Xiao Hong Zhu and Wei Chen.
This research translational psychiatry.
