Abstract

In major depressive disorders (MDD) the oxidative stress and alterations to nitric acid pathways play an important role. The two pathways interact quite closely but are never studied simultaneously in major depressive disorders.The aim of the study is to assess and compare the levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress in the neutrophils (PMNs) of drug naïve MDD patients and their first degree relatives. To assess the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrites, neuronal NO synthase (nNOS),myeloperoxidase in PMNs and cortisols in serum of drug naïve patients. To study the correlation of the levels these markers in the MDD patients and their first degree relatives. A case control study was carried out where in 30 drug naive major depressive disorder patients and 25 healthy first degree relatives and healthy controls aged 18-45 years were included in the study. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrites, neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), and myeloperoxidase in PMNs, and cortisol in serum was assessed. As compared to healthy controls the generation of free radicals, myeloperoxidase activity and nNOS mRNA expression in PMNs, and cortisol level in serum were significantly higher in the drug naive patients. Whereas the increased levels were seen in first degree relatives. The total nitrite content in the PMNs and the plasma have significantly lower value in both patients and first degree relatives. A positive correlation was seen in ROS levels in the PMNs, plasma and neutrophil nitrite and the serum cortisol level between major depressive disorder patients and their first degree relatives.The results of this study gives a better understanding of the familial association of the major depressive disorder, and demonstrates that neutrophil ROS/RNS, plasma nitrite and serum cortisol levels are positively correlated between the major depressive disorder patients and their first degree relatives. But the studies more diverse samples are required to extend these pathways as the potential biomarkers for the identification of persons at high risk psychopathology at early stages.

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