Indirect evidence of selective glial involvement in glutamate-based mechanisms of mood regulation in depression: Meta-analysis of absolute prefrontal neuro-metabolic concentrations

Arnone, D., Mumuni, A. N., Jauhar, S., Condon, B. and Cavanagh, J. (2015) Indirect evidence of selective glial involvement in glutamate-based mechanisms of mood regulation in depression: Meta-analysis of absolute prefrontal neuro-metabolic concentrations. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 25(8), pp. 1109-1117. (doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.04.016) (PMID:26028038)

Abstract

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) measures glutamatergic metabolites namely glutamate and glutamine located in neurons and astrocytes respectively. In this meta-analysis the contribution of glutamatergic neurotransmission to depressive symptoms was evaluated together with other putative prefrontal metabolites described in the pathogenesis of mood disorders, and in relation to treatment effects. A comprehensive literature search up to 2014 identified 17 reports which measured absolute concentrations of neurometabolites in the prefrontal cortex with 1H MRS meeting criteria for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Excess of heterogeneity was investigated with meta-regressions. The analyses showed an exclusive reduction in absolute values of the composite measure of Glutamine and Glutamate (Glx) in the prefrontal cortex in depression, correlating in meta-regression analyses with treatment severity. Glutamate measurements in isolation did not differ vs. healthy controls or in relation to treatment and/or clinical improvement. Similarly there were no significant changes in other neurometabolites at baseline and following treatment. The analysis supports a role for glutamatergic dysfunction in the pathogeneses of mood dysregulation. The reduction in the absolute Glx values in the absence of changes in glutamate levels, suggests a possible modulatory role of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of depression.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Condon, Professor Barrie and Cavanagh, Professor Jonathan
• Authors: Arnone, D., Mumuni, A. N., Jauhar, S., Condon, B., and Cavanagh, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: European Neuropsychopharmacology
• Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
• ISSN: 0924-977X
• ISSN (Online): 1873-7862