Key result
Serum VGF levels were significantly lower in MDD patients with high suicide risk (883.34 pg/mL) compared to those with low risk (1020.56 pg/mL) and healthy controls (1107.00 pg/mL).
Why the study?
VGF plays an important role in major depressive disorder, but whether serum VGF levels are related to suicide risk had not yet been investigated.
Are serum VGF levels associated with suicide risk in patients with major depressive disorder?
Cross-Sectional (n=147)
No
Are serum VGF levels associated with suicide risk in patients with major depressive disorder?
Reduced serum VGF levels are associated with a higher risk of suicide in patients with major depressive disorder, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
Lower serum VGF may flag suicide risk in MDD; leaves open prospective validation as a clinical biomarker.
Background: VGF (nonacronymic) is a neuropeptide that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, no studies have yet investigated VGF levels in patients with MDD who are at risk of suicide. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether serum VGF levels are related to suicide risk in patients with MMD.Methods: A total of 107 patients with MDD and 40 normal control participated in the present study. The risk of suicide was assessed using the Nurses Global Assessment of Suicide Risk (NGASR). On this basis, 60 patients were assigned to a high-risk group (NGASR≥9) and 47 were assigned to a low-risk group (NGASR<9). The severity of depression was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Levels of serum VGF were determined using a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Serum VGF levels in the high-risk group (883.34±139.67 pg/mL) were significantly lower than in the low-risk group (1020.56±131.76 pg/mL) and in the control group (1107.00±155.38 pg/mL) (F=31.90, p<0.001). In patients with MDD, suicide risk was significantly negatively correlated with VGF levels (r = -0.55, p=0.001). Conclusions: Reduced serum VGF levels are related to risk of suicide in patients with MDD, so VGF may be a biomarker of suicide risk in MDD.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Li et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Major depressive disorder (n=147). High suicide risk vs. Low suicide risk and healthy controls was evaluated on Serum VGF levels (pg/mL) (p=<0.001). Serum VGF levels were significantly lower in MDD patients with high suicide risk (883.34 pg/mL) compared to those with low risk (1020.56 pg/mL) and healthy controls (1107.00 pg/mL).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: