Mineralocorticoid receptor-related markers and outcome of major depression: focus on blood pressure and electrolytes

A close association between vegetative regulation and affect is common knowledge. Recently, the role of aldosterone and the activity of its receptor [mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)] in the clinical outcome for treatment with standard antidepressants has been shown including low systolic blood pressure and a low concentration of plasma sodium (Na+), both of which appear to be related to therapy resistance to standard antidepressants. We carried out a retrospective analysis of a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of St John’s wort extract LI160 in 247 outpatients with major depression. The study did not show a difference between the treatment groups; therefore, a pooled dataset of the 6-week completer population of the trial was analyzed. The focus was on the moderating effect of blood pressure and electrolytes on clinical outcome (relative change in Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale). Low Na+/K+ ratio and high K+ at screening predicted worse outcome after 6 weeks as measures with the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (P

Source: International Clinical Psychopharmacology - May 31, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research