Expression of Selected Genes Involved in Neurogenesis in the Etiopathogenesis of Depressive Disorders

Abstract

(1) Background: The neurogenic theory suggests that impaired neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is one of the factors causing depression. Immunology also has an impact on neurotrophic factors. The aim of the study was to assess the importance of selected genes involved in the process of neurogenesis i.e., nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST gene) in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders. (2) Methods: A total of 189 subjects took part in the study (95 depressed patients, 94 healthy controls). Sociodemographic data were collected. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). RT-PCR was used to assess gene expression at the mRNA levels, while Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to assess gene expression at the protein level. (3) Results: Expression of NGF, BDNF, REST genes is lower in depressed patients than in the control group, whereas the expression of GDNF gene is higher in patients with depressive disorders than in the group of healthy volunteers. (4) Conclusions: The expression of selected genes might serve as a biomarker of depression.