EXPLORE!

CNS Update: Left DLPFC activity is associated with plasma kynurenine levels and can predict treatment response to escitalopram in major depressive disorder

  1206 Views

eMediNexuS    04 July 2022

For selecting treatment response biomarkers that reflect the pathophysiology of depression, using an integrated set of features is crucial. A recent study determined the relationship between regional brain activity at rest and blood metabolites connected to treatment response to escitalopram to specify the features of depression that react to treatment.

65 patients with moderate to severe depression underwent Blood metabolite levels and resting-state brain activity analysis before and after 6–8 weeks of treatment with escitalopram. The obtained data was then compared between Responders and Non-responders to treatment. Further the relationship between blood metabolites and brain activity related to treatment responsiveness in patients and 36 healthy controls.

The results were as follows-

  • 2% showed a clinical response with a>50% reduction in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score and were termed Responders, while the remaining were termed Nonresponders. 
  • The pretreatment fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) value of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and plasma kynurenine levels was found to be lesser in Responders, and their rate of increase after treatment was associated with an improvement in symptoms.
  • The fALFF value of the left DLPFC showed marked relation with plasma kynurenine levels in pretreatment patients with depression and healthy controls.

The reduced resting-state regional activity of the left DLPFC, as well as plasma kynurenine levels, may forecast treatment response to escitalopram, also indicating its involvement in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder in response to escitalopram treatment.

Source:  Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences. 2022; Early View, Online Version of Record before inclusion in an issue. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcn.13373

To comment on this article,
create a free account.

Sign Up to instantly get access to 10000+ Articles & 1000+ Cases

Already registered?

Login Now

Most Popular Articles

News and Updates

eMediNexus provides latest updates on medical news, medical case studies from India. In-depth medical case studies and research designed for doctors and healthcare professionals.