Objective. To evaluate leukocyte gene expression for 9 selected genes (mRNAs) as biological markers in patients with medication\nrefractory depression before and after treatment with ECT or isoflurane anesthesia (ISO). Methods. In a substudy of a\nnonrandomized open-label trial comparing effects of ECT to ISO therapy, blood samples were obtained before and after treatment\nfrom 22 patients with refractory depression, and leukocyte mRNA was assessed by quantitative PCR. Patients� mRNAs were also\ncompared to 17 healthy controls. Results. Relative to controls, patients before treatment showed significantly higher IL10 and DBI\nand lower ADRA2A and ASIC3 mRNA (P < 0.025). Both ECT and ISO induced significant decreases after treatment in 4 genes:\nIL10, NR3C1, DRD4, and Sult1A1. After treatment, patients� DBI, ASIC3, and ADRA2A mRNA remained dysregulated. Conclusion.\nSignificant differences from controls and/or significant changes after ECT or ISO treatment were observed for 7 of the 9 mRNAs\nstudied. Decreased expression of 4 genes after effective treatment with either ECT or ISO suggests possible overlap of underlying\nmechanisms. Three genes showing dysregulation before and after treatment may be trait-like biomarkers of medication refractory\ndepression.Gene expression for these patients has the potential to facilitate diagnosis, clarify pathophysiology, and identify potential\nbiomarkers for treatment effects.
Loading....