Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of N-acetyl aspartate in first depressive episode and chronic major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Affect Disord
; 355: 265-282, 2024 Jun 15.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38554884
ABSTRACT
N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) is a marker of neuronal integrity and metabolism. Deficiency in neuronal plasticity and hypometabolism are implicated in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) pathophysiology. To test if cerebral NAA concentrations decrease progressively over the MDD course, we conducted a pre-registered meta-analysis of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies comparing NAA concentrations in chronic MDD (n = 1308) and first episode of depression (n = 242) patients to healthy controls (HC, n = 1242). Sixty-two studies were meta-analyzed using a random-effect model for each brain region. NAA concentrations were significantly reduced in chronic MDD compared to HC within the frontal lobe (Hedges' g = -0.330; p = 0.018), the occipital lobe (Hedges' g = -0.677; p = 0.007), thalamus (Hedges' g = -0.673; p = 0.016), and frontal (Hedges' g = -0.471; p = 0.034) and periventricular white matter (Hedges' g = -0.478; p = 0.047). We highlighted a gap of knowledge regarding NAA levels in first episode of depression patients. Sensitivity analyses indicated that antidepressant treatment may reverse NAA alterations in the frontal lobe. We highlighted field strength and correction for voxel grey matter as moderators of NAA levels detection. Future studies should assess NAA alterations in the early stages of the illness and their longitudinal progression.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Aspartic Acid
/
Depressive Disorder, Major
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Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Affect Disord
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article