Biomedicines (Sep 2024)

Identification of Specific Plasma miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder

  • Cătălin Prodan-Bărbulescu,
  • Cristian Daniel Alin,
  • Ionuţ Flaviu Faur,
  • Georgeta Cristiana Bujor,
  • Edward Paul Şeclăman,
  • Virgil Enătescu,
  • Alexandra-Ioana Dănilă,
  • Ecaterina Dăescu,
  • Rami Hajjar,
  • Laura Andreea Ghenciu,
  • Paul Tuţac,
  • Paul Paşca,
  • Anca Maria Cimpean,
  • Ciprian Duta

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102165
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 10
p. 2165

Abstract

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Backround: Depression is a significant concern in clinical and preclinical psychoneurobiological sciences due to its high prevalence and its individual and collective consequences. Identifying efficient biomarkers for accurate diagnosis is crucial, with ideal biomarkers having detectable serum levels and conformational and thermal stability. This study aims to identify stable plasma biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of major depressive disorder, as the pathogenesis of the disorder remains incompletely understood, affecting diagnosis accuracy. Methods: Thus, this study included ten MDD patients and eight healthy controls. The present work analyzed miRNAs in patients with major depressive disorder compared to healthy controls. Results: Eleven specific miRNAs, particularly hsa-miR-874-3p; hsa-let-7d-5p; and hsa-miR-93-3p showed upregulation-type plasma variations in the group of patients with major depressive disorder. miRNA functionality is linked to depressive pathophysiology. Conclusions: This study identifies a “bouquet” of miRNAs with significant upregulation variations in patients with major depressive disorder, suggesting further research to determine their suitability for personalization and evaluation, ultimately becoming integral components of major depression serological evaluations.

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