Leaky gut biomarkers in depression and suicidal behavior. (1st November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ohlsson, L.; Gustafsson, A.; Lavant, E.; Suneson, K.; Brundin, L.; Westrin, Å.; Ljunggren, L.; Lindqvist, D.
• Is Part Of: Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica. Volume 139:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 193
• Publication Date: 2018-11-01
• Subjects: suicide, attempted -- depressive disorder, major -- zonulin -- intestinal fatty acid binding protein -- intestinal permeability; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1111/acps.12978
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-690X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Inflammation is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal behavior. According to the 'leaky gut hypothesis', increased intestinal permeability may contribute to this relationship via bacterial translocation across enterocytes. We measured plasma levels of gut permeability markers, in patients with a recent suicide attempt (rSA), MDD subjects with no history of a suicide attempt (nsMDD), and healthy controls (HC), and related these markers to symptom severity and inflammation. Method: We enrolled rSA ( n = 54), nsMDD ( n = 13), and HC ( n = 17). Zonulin, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP), soluble CD14, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were quantified in plasma. Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Suicide Assessment Scale (SUAS) were used for symptom assessments. Results: The rSA group displayed higher I‐FABP and lower zonulin levels compared with both the nsMDD and the HC groups (all P < 0.001). IL‐6 correlated positively with I‐FABP ( r = 0.24, P < 0.05) and negatively with zonulin ( r = −0.25, P < 0.05). In all subjects, I‐FABP levels correlated positively with MADRS ( r = 0.25, P < 0.05) and SUAS scores ( r = 0.38, P < 0.001), and the latter correlation was significant also in the nsMDD group ( r = 0.60, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The 'leaky gut hypothesis' may improve our understanding of the link between inflammation and suicidal behavior. These findings should be considered preliminary until replicated in larger cohorts.