Identification of Oxidative Stress-Related Biomarkers for Pain–Depression Comorbidity Based on Bioinformatics

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been identified as a major factor in the development and progression of pain and psychiatric disorders, but the underlying biomarkers and molecular signaling pathways remain unclear. This study aims to identify oxidative stress-related biomarkers and signaling pathways in pain–depression comorbidity. Integrated bioinformatics analyses were applied to identify key genes by comparing pain–depression comorbidity-related genes and oxidative stress-related genes. A total of 580 differentially expressed genes and 35 differentially expressed oxidative stress-related genes (DEOSGs) were identified. By using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis and a protein–protein interaction network, 43 key genes and 5 hub genes were screened out, respectively. DEOSGs were enriched in biological processes and signaling pathways related to oxidative stress and inflammation. The five hub genes, RNF24, MGAM, FOS, and TKT, were deemed potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for patients with pain–depression comorbidity. These genes may serve as valuable targets for further research and may aid in the development of early diagnosis, prevention strategies, and pharmacotherapy tools for this particular patient population.