Evaluation of interleukin-6 and serotonin as biomarkers to predict response to fluoxetine.

Objective: Only 30% of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients achieve complete remission with a serotonergic antidepressant (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). We investigated the potential of serotonin (5-HT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) to serve as functional biomarkers of fluoxetine response.

Methods: Serum IL-6 and 5-HT were measured in 73 MDD patients (39 responders and 34 non-responders) pre- and 6 weeks post-treatment and in 44 normal controls with ELISA.

Allele and genotype distributions of DNA repair gene polymorphisms in South Indian healthy population.

Various DNA repair pathways protect the structural and chemical integrity of the human genome from environmental and endogenous threats. Polymorphisms of genes encoding the proteins involved in DNA repair have been found to be associated with cancer risk and chemotherapeutic response. In this study, we aim to establish the normative frequencies of DNA repair genes in South Indian healthy population and compare with HapMap populations.

Frequency distribution of DNA repair genes ERCC1 and ERCC2 polymorphisms in South Indian healthy population.

DNA repair genes are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the whole genome. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes have been attributed to the development of various cancers. SNPs of DNA repair genes (ERCC1 and ERCC2) have been implicated in the causation of various cancers as well as inter-individual variability in the therapeutic outcomes of platinum based therapy.