The potential of SLC6A4 gene methylation analysis for the diagnosis and treatment of major depression.

We examined the utility of DNA methylation profiles at the CpG island of SLC6A4 (DMS) as a diagnostic biomarker for major depression (MD). In addition, the relationship between DMS and the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) allele, the severity of symptoms, number of early adversities, and therapeutic responses to antidepressants were examined. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of Japanese healthy controls and patients with MD before and after treatment.

Relationship between hostility and subjective sleep quality.

While hostility and sleep disturbance are the potential risk factors for health problems and disease, few studies have examined the relationship between the two factors. The present study was performed to investigate the relationship between hostility and sleep problems assessed both subjectively and objectively in a nonclinical sample. Sixty-one healthy subjects were enrolled in this study.

Is serotonergic function associated with the antidepressant effects of modified-electroconvulsive therapy?

Background: The effect of modified-electroconvulsive therapy (m-ECT) on central serotonergic function has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of the present study is to investigate this effect via the neuroendocrine challenge test.

Methods: Sixteen inpatients (9 men and 7 women) with major depressive disorder who were receiving m-ECT at our university hospital were recruited.

DNA methylation profiles of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene as a potent diagnostic biomarker in major depression.

Major depression, because of its recurring and life-threatening nature, is one of the top 10 diseases for global disease burden. Major depression is still diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms in patients. The search for specific biological markers is of great importance to advance the method of diagnosis for depression.

Type A behavior pattern and hyperthymic temperament: possible association with bipolar IV disorder.

Background: Type A behavior pattern (TABP) has traditionally been reported to be associated with coronary heart disease and, more recently, several researchers have examined its association with depression and bipolar disorder. According to Akiskal and Pinto (1999), there are 2 subtypes of bipolar spectrum which are not associated with manic or hypomanic state. These are bipolar II1/2 (depression in those who have cyclothymic temperament) and bipolar IV (depression in those who have hyperthymic temperament).

Biological aspect of hyperthymic temperament: light, sleep, and serotonin.

Rationale: Hyperthymic temperament is one of several premorbid temperaments putatively associated with bipolar disorder. Several reports suggest that depressive patients with hyperthymic temperament may belong to the proposed soft bipolar spectrum.

Objectives: To investigate biological aspects of hyperthymic temperament, the present study examined daily activity, sleep time, central serotonergic function, and other relevant variables in relation to hyperthymic temperament in healthy subjects.

Predicting efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy in major depressive disorder.

The aim of this study was to investigate methods for predicting the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with major depressive disorder. Subjects comprised 24 inpatients with major depressive disorder diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria who were resistant to antidepressant therapy or who, due to adverse reactions, could not undergo pharmacotherapy at adequate doses for sufficient durations. ECT was generally performed 12 times using a sinusoidal-wave device.

Contributing factors to changes of cerebral blood flow in major depressive disorder.

Background: Results of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) regarding mood disorders have been inconsistent. The aim of the study was to elucidate factors contributing to changes in cerebral blood flow in patients with major depressive disorder.

Methods: A total of 89 consecutive patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder using DSM-IV semistructured interviews were evaluated using single photon emission computed tomography, the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), and the Global Assessment of Function (GAF) scale.

Discrepancy between subjective and objective sleep in patients with depression.

The literature investigating the relationship between objective and subjective sleep in depressed patients is limited and the results are inconsistent. Furthermore, many factors that influence the aforementioned relationship have not been investigated. The present study was carried out to clarify the characteristics of self-estimation of sleep in depressed patients.