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BRAIN DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR LEVELS AND HIPPOCAMPAL VOLUME IN DEPRESSED PATIENTS TREATED WITH ESCITALOPRAM

MARIA LADEA^1,2*, MIHAI BRAN³, MIRCEA MEDREA⁴

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Recent studies suggest the important roles of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and hippocampal volume in the etiopathogenesis of the depressive disorder and also in the mechanisms of action of some antidepressants. The aim of this study was to find possible correlations between serum levels of BDNF, hippocampal volume and clinical symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), before, during and after 6 months treatment with escitalopram. Forty female subjects were included: 20 women diagnosed with MDD and 20 aged-matched healthy female controls (without medication). Complete data for statistical analysis were obtained for 8 patients and 16 controls. The patients received escitalopram 10-15mg/day. BDNF serum levels were measured at inclusion in the study, at week 4, week 12 and week 24. Hippocampal volumes were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging at inclusion and at week 24. Low serum levels of BDNF and small left hippocampal volumes were associated with MDD. In women with MDD, escitalopram had a positive effect on BDNF serum levels, as well as on hippocampal volume. The study suggests that changes in the BDNF serum levels and in hippocampal volume in women with MDD might be associated with the treatment with escitalopram. The positive changes in the BDNF serum levels and hippocampal volume seem to be clinically correlated with good patient outcomes. Further research upon association of BDNF serum levels and hippocampal volume with MDD and antidepressant treatment is needed.