By Caitlin Seida from In The Cloud Copy
Researchers in Russia completed a study measuring certain biomarkers among those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression. The study sought to uncover whether there was a possible, measurable link between the two and found that there may be a measurable biomarker between depressive mood disorders and alcohol use disorder contained in the proteins of the brain.
Study Participants
The small study, published in April 2020 in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, focused on 61 individuals: 20 people who served as a control group and had neither a mood disorder nor alcohol use disorder, 22 people who live with alcohol use disorder but no mood disorder, and 19 people living with both a mood disorder and alcohol use disorder.
Those who took part in the study ranged from ages 18 to 60 and were all being treated at the Mental Health Research Institute of the Tomsk National Research Center at the time of the study. Patients with mood or behavioral disorders besides depressive disorder were excluded from the study, as were those with acute or chronic physical disorders. Three psychiatrists screened study participants for depression and inclusion in the study.
Measurements
Study participants self-reported their moods by filling out two questionnaires: the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). These surveys ask a battery of questions relating to mood, enjoyment of activities, cravings and other mental, emotional, and lifestyle queries.
After fasting overnight, patients gave blood samples, which researchers then analyzed for specific protein biomarkers, specifically brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAMs). Measurements of these two protein markers were then compared to the questionnaire answers.
BDNF and NCAMs
The blood plasma biomarker BDNF, also called abreneurin, is one of the building blocks of the neurons in your brains. Higher levels of BDNF signal your brain to create new neurons and strengthen the ones you already have. It’s one of the many things responsible for memory and mood.
NCAMs are cells that work on your nervous system. They help move cells throughout your body, help your synapses fire, and even help damaged nerves heal. They’re measurable in blood plasma, just like BDNF.
Results
Compared to the control group, those with both alcohol use disorder and mood disorders reported higher depression and anxiety levels. This group of study participants also exhibited fewer NCAMs in their blood serum levels. Those only contending with AUD and without mood disorders displayed less BDNF in their samples.
Researchers found a slight discrepancy in self-reported depression levels, which was further examined using a manner of study called multiple regression analysis. It was concluded that sex, age, and BDNF were responsible for the discrepancy.
Cautious Optimism
Because of the small study size, the link will require further investigation. While both blood plasma biomarkers have been touched upon in other studies examining alcohol use disorder and depressive mood disorders, none have delved deeply into the relationship, let alone in those living with both conditions.
Researchers also admitted that those in the control group were usually younger than other subjects, and that they had a lack of success in recruiting individuals with mood disorders but without alcohol use disorder. Due to these limitations, the current research should be viewed with cautious optimism and as a starting point for uncovering possible future biomarkers for these conditions.
