Biomedicine

The Genetics of Depression

(Page 2 of 2)

  • Friday, April 13, 2007
  • By Emily Singer

Last year, scientists released the results from the first genetic analysis of the STAR*D trial. They found that people with a specific variation in a receptor for the chemical messenger serotonin were more likely to respond to citalopram, an antidepressant that targets the serotonin system. Scientists are now analyzing the DNA of patients in the study who responded to different classes of antidepressants. "We want to determine ifgenetic makeup can tell us which medications are good or bad for individual patients," says A. John Rush, a psychiatrist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas, who is leading the STAR*D trial.

A similar trial for bipolar disorder, called the STEP-BD (Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder) trial, wrapped up this month, and scientists are running similar genetic studies in search of the genetic roots of this disease. Both groups are focusing on specific regions of the genome that have previously been linked to the disorders, as well as using newer genomics technology--DNA microarrays that can analyze thousands of genetic variations in a single experiment--to scan the entire genome for clues. Scientists say that they expect to publish results within the next few months.

The findings might ultimately help psychiatrists redefine these complex disorders. For example, patients diagnosed with depression can have very different symptoms, and many symptoms are common to both depression and bipolar disorders. "We have diagnosis of mood disorders and other psychiatric disorders, but it's not entirely clear if genes are influencing these disorders per se, or if they influence specific symptoms that cut across diagnostic categories," says Smoller. "Genetic studies may tell us something about how we understand the relationships between different disorders."

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kjh71ca

1 Comment

  • 1765 Days Ago
  • 04/16/2007

Great

This could be great for depression sufferers, lots of research going on for depression.

Reply

TomTom

29 Comments

  • 1765 Days Ago
  • 04/16/2007

Bipolar

Bipolar is a nutritional deficiency disease.  It is a shortage of omega-3 and inositol.

The omega-3 component was noticed when Eskimos from Greenland moved to Europe.  They had never had bipolar in Greenland, because they ate seals which eat fish.  In Europe, some came down with bipolar.  But when they moved back to Greenland and began eating their regular diet, it was gone.

You can find references at PubMed at this address: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?DB=pubmed

Reply

karlhedderich

12 Comments

  • 1765 Days Ago
  • 04/16/2007

Re: Bipolar

I checked out some of the abstracts found on pubmed involving bipolar disorder and omega-3 FAs and the conclusion was weak.  Would you mind telling what article has you so convinced that bipolar disorder is just a FA deficiency? 

Reply

TomTom

29 Comments

  • 1764 Days Ago
  • 04/17/2007

Re: Bipolar

Here is a link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12640327
[Lipids, depression and suicide] Colin A., et al.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15253674
Bipolar disorder and cell membrane dysfunction. Progress toward integrative management.  Kidd PM.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=14638594&dopt=Abstract
Cross-national comparisons of seafood consumption and rates of bipolar disorders.  Noaghiul S, Hibbeln JR.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15960565&query_hl=2&itool=pubmed_DocSum
Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid in bipolar depression: report of a small open-label study.  Osher Y, et al.

And there are more.

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Johannes

5 Comments

  • 1762 Days Ago
  • 04/19/2007

Re: Bipolar

The article you referenced (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12640327
[Lipids, depression and suicide] Colin A., et al.)
is also examining relations. The authors state specifically,"These data do not however prove a relation of causality."

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Johannes

5 Comments

  • 1762 Days Ago
  • 04/19/2007

Re: Bipolar

The research you referenced doesn't say that Bipolar disorder is caused by a deficiency in dietary Omega-3. The articles are exploring corelations.

Reply

October1929

1 Comment

  • 1755 Days Ago
  • 04/26/2007

Terrific. More data will lead to improved treatments

Whether it is genes or the environment that cause depression, the more information about the disease the better.

www.VagusNerveStimulation.com

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