Abstract
We examined potential changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels and promoter methylation of the BDNF gene in 11 patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder during a series of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Blood samples were taken before, 1 and 24 h after ECT treatment sessions 1, 4, 7 and 10. Patients remitting under ECT had significantly lower mean promoter methylation rates, especially concerning the exon I promoter, compared to non-remitters (both p < 0.002). These findings may point to a depression subtype in which ECT is particularly beneficial.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / blood*
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics*
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DNA Methylation*
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Depressive Disorder, Major / blood
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Depressive Disorder, Major / genetics
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Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
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Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / blood
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Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / genetics
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Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / therapy*
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Electroconvulsive Therapy*
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Exons
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Promoter Regions, Genetic
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Prospective Studies
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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BDNF protein, human