Increased plasma complement factor H is associated with geriatric depression. (25th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shin, Cheolmin; Ham, Byung-Joo; Ko, Young-Hoon; Pae, Chi-Un; Park, Moon Ho; Steffens, David C.; Patkar, Ashwin A.; Han, Changsu
• Is Part Of: International psychogeriatrics. Volume 31:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2018-05-25
• Subjects: complement factor H, -- geriatric depression, -- complement system, -- alternative pathway; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.9768905
• DOI: 10.1017/S1041610218000558
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-6102

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Complement factor H (CFH) plays a key role in regulating the cascade of the alternative pathway of the complement system. Dysregulation of CFH may be involved in the pathophysiology of various inflammation-mediated diseases including neuropsychiatric illnesses. This study aimed to investigate this relationship by examining determining CFH levels in elderly individuals with and without depression. Methods: A total of 152 elderly individuals (major depressive disorder (MDD) group, n = 76; comparison sample, n = 76) were selected from the Ansan Geriatric study. The plasma level of CFH was measured. MDD was diagnosed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview as per DSM-IV criteria. The severity of depression was evaluated with the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Mean CFH levels were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. After adjusting for possible confounding factors including age, sex, marital status, education, alcohol use, hemoglobin levels, and the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-KC), a multiple regression analysis was conducted. The GDS score and plasma level of CFH were analyzed using Spearman's correlation. Results: Plasma CFH level was significantly higher in individuals with MDD than in the comparison sample (289.51 ± 21.16 vs. 339.67 ± 66.23, p < 0.001). In a regression model adjusted for possible confounders, CFH was significantly associated with geriatric depression (p < 0.001). CFH levels were not significantly related to GDS scores in the depressed group. Conclusion: This study revealed an association between high plasma levels of CFH and geriatric depression, thereby suggesting the alternative pathway of the complement system contributing to the development of geriatric depression.