Scientists have created the first test to accurately predict the risk of depression and bipolar disorder concerning mood disorders and mental health.
Doctors are required to put in a lot of effort and time to understand the aspects and causes of the illness before starting treatment. After all, it seems impossible to treat a condition like depression before its symptoms appear, right? In reality, this may have been true not long ago, but some researchers from Australia have presented an innovation that could change all of that. Scientists at the University of South Australia developed the first-ever predictive test for mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. According to the scientists, low levels of the mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) are associated with a higher risk of depression. Until now, it has been impossible to distinguish between three different forms of the mBDNF protein in blood samples. The most mature version of the protein promotes the growth of neurons and protects the mind; however, the other two forms tend to cause more harm than good, being associated with different receptors that provoke inflammation and neurodegeneration.
**The Connection Between Proteins and Depression:**
Fortunately, the test group created by the University of South Australia team was able to accurately identify these three differences in the protein in ways that were not previously possible. Researchers from Kunming Medical University in China collaborated on the project. One of the study's co-authors, Professor Shin Fo Zhu from the University of South Australia, stated that they found strong evidence indicating that stress leads to decreased levels of total mBDNF proteins, which in turn leads to depression. During the study, the researchers examined 215 Chinese residents, which included 90 individuals clinically treated for depression and 15 diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Specifically among these subgroups, the authors noted a clear trend indicating lower levels of mBDNF proteins in the blood. Furthermore, the more depressed a person felt, the lower the levels of mBDNF proteins were. Similarly, mBDNF protein levels in patients not taking antidepressants were also lower compared to those receiving antidepressants. However, the researchers did not observe any relationship between gender differences and mBDNF protein levels, nor did it appear that low levels of mBDNF proteins were related to suicidal behavior or thoughts.
Professor Zhu stated, "Given that mature BDNF and proBDNF proteins have different biological activities and work in opposing ways, it is essential for us to distinguish between these two proteins and detect changes in their levels."
**A New Treatment for Mental Health Disorders?**
According to the results, having mBDNF protein levels in the blood below 12.4 nanograms/mL may warrant a preventive diagnosis of depression or bipolar disorder. Dr. Zhu explained, "This could serve as an objective biomarker alongside the clinical assessment performed by the physician." Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation in brain cells is associated with depressive behavior, and proBDNF proteins seem to activate the immune system causing that inflammation as well. Hence, it is intriguing that our recent animal studies have shown that injecting proBDNF proteins into both the brain and muscles can directly lead to depressive behaviors. Moving forward, the researchers wish to verify whether electroconvulsive therapy can help restore appropriate levels of mBDNF proteins.
