Researchers from the University of Queensland, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, announced on Mar. 10 that they have identified changes in cellular energy production that may help diagnose and treat major depression at its earliest stage.
The study focused on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule known as the "energy currency" of cells, analyzing its levels in both the brain and blood cells of young adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The research team collected blood samples and brain scans from 18 participants aged 18 to 25 who had been diagnosed with depression, comparing them to samples from individuals without depression.
Associate Professor Susannah Tye from the Queensland Brain Institute said this is the first time patterns in these fatigue-related molecules have been found in both the brain and bloodstream of young people with major depressive disorder. Dr Roger Varela, also from QBI, explained their findings: "We found cells in people with depression produced more energy molecules when resting, but had a reduced ability to increase energy production under stress." He added, "This suggests cells may be overworking early in the illness, which could lead to longer-term problems."
Varela further said, "This was surprising, because you might expect energy production in cells would be lower for people with depression." He continued, "It suggests that in the early stages of depression, the mitochondria in the brain and body have a reduced capacity to cope with higher energy demand, which may contribute to low mood, reduced motivation and slower cognitive function."
The researchers hope their work will help reduce stigma around depression by showing it involves multiple biological changes throughout the body. Varela said, "This shows multiple changes occur in the body, including in the brain and the blood, and that depression impacts energy at a cellular level." He also noted differences between patients: "It also proves not all depression is the same; every patient has different biology, and each patient is impacted differently." Varela concluded by saying they hope this research will lead to more specific and effective treatment options.
The study was led by Katie Cullen MD at the University of Minnesota. The imaging technique used for measuring ATP production was developed by Professors Xiao Hong Zhu and Wei Chen. The research has been published in Translational Psychiatry.
