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The impairment of endothelial function by reduced endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO) may contribute to the increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in patients with depression. NO also plays an essential role in the efficacy of antidepressants. The present study aimed to confirm our previous preliminary findings using a larger sample and different antidepressants. We enrolled 100 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 50 healthy controls. Patients were administered sertraline, duloxetine or mirtazapine and were followed up for 8 weeks. We also compared the rate of increase in plasma levels of metabolites of NO (NOx) among the three antidepressant treatments. Baseline plasma NOx levels were significantly lower in the MDD group than in the control group. A negative correlation was found between plasma NOx levels and the severity of MDD. Treatment with duloxetine significantly increased plasma NOx levels, whereas sertraline treatment caused no significant increase.

Object

We investigated an association between the polymorphism of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene Val66Met and the response to mirtazapine in Japanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). We also examined mirtazapine's effects on the serum BDNF and plasma levels of catecholamine metabolites in these patients.

Methods

Eighty-four patients who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for MDD were treated with only mirtazapine for 4 weeks. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was detected by direct sequencing in the region, and serum BDNF levels and plasma levels of catecholamine metabolites were measured by ELISA and HPLC-ECD, respectively.

Results

Mirtazapine treatment for 4 weeks significantly increased serum BDNF levels in the responders, whereas nonresponders showed significant decreases. No association was found between either of the two genotypes (Val/Val vs. Met-carriers) and the response to mirtazapine at T4 or the serum BDNF levels at T0. Mirtazapine did not alter the plasma levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) or 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG).

Discussion

The dynamics of serum BDNF levels, but not plasma levels of HVA and MHPG, reflect the response to mirtazapine treatment; the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in patients with depression is, however, associated with neither a particular response to mirtazapine treatment nor baseline serum BDNF levels.

Conclusion

Serum BDNF levels, but not plasma levels of HVA or MHPG, and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism are related to the mirtazapine response in MDD.

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Influence of antidepressants on plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites in patients with major depressive disorder – RETRACTION

RETRACTED – Influence of antidepressants on plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites in patients with major depressive disorder

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism, or plasma catecholamine metabolites, and response to mirtazapine in Japanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD)

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3 results

Influence of antidepressants on plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites in patients with major depressive disorder – RETRACTION

RETRACTED – Influence of antidepressants on plasma levels of nitric oxide metabolites in patients with major depressive disorder

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism, or plasma catecholamine metabolites, and response to mirtazapine in Japanese patients with major depressive disorder (MDD)