A Meta-Analysis of Oxidative Stress Markers in Depression

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#albumins #antidepressive-agents #antioxidants #aryldialkylphosphatase #ascorbic-acid

A Meta-Analysis of Oxidative Stress Markers in Depression

Liu et al., 2015 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Liu Tao, Zhong Shuming, ... Jia Yanbin. A Meta-Analysis of Oxidative Stress Markers in Depression. PLoS One. 2015;10(10):e0138904. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0138904

Abstract

OBJECT: Studies have suggested that depression was accompanied by oxidative stress dysregulation, including abnormal total antioxidant capacity (TAC), antioxidants, free radicals, oxidative damage and autoimmune response products. This meta-analysis aims to analyse the clinical data quantitatively by comparing the oxidative stress markers between depressed patients and healthy controls. METHODS: A search was conducted to collect the studies that measured the oxidative stress markers in depressed patients. Studies were searched in Embase, Medline, PsychINFO, Science direct, CBMDisc, CNKI and VIP from 1990 to May 2015. Data were subjected to meta-analysis by using a random effects model for examining the effect sizes of the results. Bias assessments, heterogeneity assessments and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. RESULTS: 115 articles met the inclusion criteria. Lower TAC was noted in acute episodes (AEs) of depressed patients (p<0.05). Antioxidants, including serum paraoxonase, uric acid, albumin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and zinc levels were lower than controls (p<0.05); the serum uric acid, albumin and vitamin C levels were increased after antidepressant therapy (p<0.05). Oxidative damage products, including red blood cell (RBC) malondialdehyde (MDA), serum MDA and 8-F2-isoprostanes levels were higher than controls (p<0.05). After antidepressant medication, RBC and serum MDA levels were decreased (p<0.05). Moreover, serum peroxide in free radicals levels were higher than controls (p<0.05). There were no differences between the depressed patients and controls for other oxidative stress markers. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis supports the facts that the serum TAC, paraoxonase and antioxidant levels are lower, and the serum free radical and oxidative damage product levels are higher than controls in depressed patients. Meanwhile, the antioxidant levels are increased and the oxidative damage product levels are decreased after antidepressant medication. The pathophysiological relationships between oxidative stress and depression, and the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation deserve further research.

Key Findings

115 articles met the inclusion criteria. Lower TAC was noted in acute episodes (AEs) of depressed patients (p<0.05). Antioxidants, including serum paraoxonase, uric acid, albumin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and zinc levels were lower than controls (p<0.05); the serum uric acid, albumin and vitamin C levels were increased after antidepressant therapy (p<0.05). Oxidative damage products, including red blood cell (RBC) malondialdehyde (MDA), serum MDA and 8-F2-isoprostanes levels were hig

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Albumins
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Aryldialkylphosphatase
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Biomarkers
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression
  • Depressive Disorder
  • F2-Isoprostanes
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation
  • Lipoproteins, HDL
  • Malondialdehyde
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Uric Acid

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09