Depression and monocyte dysfunction: a follow-up study

SummarySeveral studies have reported immune cellular and humoral dysfunction during depression. We specifically focused on the study of the monocyte as it has a key role in the activation of the immune response. To examine the association between severity of depressive symptoms and values of monocyte parameters (HLA-DR, CD35, phagocytic activity and vimentin filaments), we used a longitudinal design and assessed monocyte markers at intake and at follow-up 12 weeks after discharge from the hospital in 49 depressed patients. Seventy percent of patients showed pretreatment a marked monocyte dysfunction (82.5% had at least one parameter altered). After treatment, alterations in immunological variables were significantly associated (P&lt; 0.05) with depression scores higher than 15. The findings indicate that the monocyte dysfunction is temporally associated with the state of depression. Before and after treatment the immunoreactive vimentin filaments significantly increased (P&lt; 0.01) after incubation of monocytes with naloxone, suggesting that an increased opioid activity might account for the monocyte dysfunction.</jats:p

Neuroendocrine and immunological functions in depressed patients: a follow-up study

SummaryThe development, evaluation and use of biological markers with a diagnostic purpose in psychiatry is extremely important. However, with certain exceptions, truly sensitive and specific markers have not yet emerged. In order to investigate the relationship between the immune apparatus and the hypothalamic-pituitary activity on the one hand, and the psychopathological state of the patients on the other, we used a longitudinal design and assessed monocyte parameters (HLA-DR, CD 35, vimentin filaments, and phagocytosis index) and neuroendocrine tests (dexamethasone suppression test [DST] and thyrotropin-releasing hormone [TRH] stimulation test) at intake and at follow-up in 49 depressed patients. Immunological parameters were compared with neuroendocrine tests in both phases of the study. The combined use of both immunological and neuroendocrine tests did not add sensitivity to the immunological identification of depressed patients. The findings lead us to consider the role of the monocyte parameters as sensitive depressive state markers, while the combined use of both neuroendocrine and immunological tests in current clinical practice would be debatable.</jats:p

Differences in interleukins’ patterns between dysthymia and major depression

SummaryWe assessed whether cytokine production–interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα)–is affected in depressed patients, dysthymia (Dt) and major depression (MD), and its association with various parameters of severity and clinical course. We found a possible different pattern of interleukin production between Dt and MD.</jats:p

The development and validation of a Spanish version of the quality of life in depression scale (QLDS)

Summary:Objective:The adaptation of the Quality of Life in Depression Scale, the QLDS, into Spanish.Methods:The original UK version of the QLDS was considered by two translation panels, who produced a Spanish translation. Priority was given to conceptual rather than semantic equivalence. This version was then field-tested with 15 depressed patients. The final stage of the research involved a postal survey of 62 patients, who were asked to complete the measure on two occasions.Results:The Spanish QLDS was found to be appropriate and acceptable by depressed patients. The questionnaire's test-retest reliability and internal consistency were both high, and QLDS scores correlated as predicted with scores on sections of the Nottingham Health Profile. The measure was sensitive to different levels of depression as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Conclusion:The Spanish version of the QLDS is suitable for use in clinical trials and for monitoring individual patients in routine clinical practice.</jats:sec

El desarrollo y validación de una versión española de la Escala de calidad de vida en la depresión (QLDS)

ResumenObjetivo:La adaptación de la Escala de Calidad de Vida en la Depresión, QLDS, al español.Métodos:Dos grupos de traducción consideraron la versión original del Reino Unido de la QLDS y produjeron una traducción española. Se dio prioridad a la equivalencia conceptual, antes que a la semántica. Esta versión se comprobó luego en un ensayo de campo con 15 pacientes deprimidos. El estadio final de la investigación implicaba un estudio por correo de 62 pacientes, a quienes se pidió que completaran la medida en dos ocasiones.Resultados:Se encontró que la QLDS española era apropiada y aceptable por los pacientes deprimidos. La fiabilidad test-retest y la consistencia interna del cuestionario fueron altas ambas, y las puntuaciones de la QLDS correlacionaron como se predecía con las puntuaciones en las secciones del Perfil de Salud de Nottingham. La medida era sensible a los niveles diferentes de depresión evaluados por la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión.Conclusión:La versión española de la QLDS es idónea para su uso en ensayos clínicos y para controlar a los pacientes individuales en la práctica clínica de rutina.</jats:sec