Association of anhedonia with brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-10 in major depressive disorder

Lirong Fu; Juanjuan Ren; Xiaoxia Lei; Yewei Wang; Xiaochang Chen; Rong Zhang; Qingyi Li; Xinyue Teng; Chaoyue Guo; Zenan Wu; Lingfang Yu; Dandan Wang; Yan Chen; Jinmei Qin; Aihua Yuan; Chen Zhang

doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111023

Association of anhedonia with brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-10 in major depressive disorder

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2024 May 1:133:111023. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111023. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Lirong Fu¹, Juanjuan Ren¹, Xiaoxia Lei¹, Yewei Wang¹, Xiaochang Chen¹, Rong Zhang¹, Qingyi Li¹, Xinyue Teng¹, Chaoyue Guo¹, Zenan Wu¹, Lingfang Yu¹, Dandan Wang¹, Yan Chen¹, Jinmei Qin², Aihua Yuan³, Chen Zhang⁴

Affiliations

¹ Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
² Mental Health Center of Xuhui District, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: janneyqin66@hotmail.com.
³ Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: yuanaihua1997@163.com.
⁴ Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: zhangchen645@gmail.com.

PMID: 38701878
DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111023

Abstract

Background: Anhedonia, a core symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), manifests in two forms: anticipatory and consummatory, reflecting a diminished capacity to anticipate or enjoy pleasurable activities. Prior studies suggest that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) may play key roles in the emergence of anhedonia in MDD. The specific relationships between these biomarkers and the two forms of anhedonia remain unclear. This study investigated the potential links between BDNF, IL-10, and both forms of anhedonia in MDD patients.

Methods: This study included 43 participants diagnosed with MDD and 58 healthy controls. It involved detailed assessments of depression and anxiety levels, anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, cognitive functions, and a broad spectrum of plasma biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein, various interleukins, and BDNF. Using partial correlation, variables related to pleasant experiences were identified. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was applied to pinpoint the independent predictors of anhedonia in the MDD group.

Results: Demographically, both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, body mass index, educational year, and marital status. Individuals with MDD displayed markedly reduced levels of anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, higher anxiety, and depression scores compared to healthy controls. Additionally, cognitive performance was notably poorer in the MDD group. These patients also had lower plasma diamine oxidase levels. Analysis linked anhedonia to impaired delayed memory. Regression results identified IL-10 and BDNF as independent predictors of anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia, respectively.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that anticipatory and consummatory anhedonia are influenced by independent factors, thereby providing critical insights into the distinct neuroimmunological mechanisms that underlie various forms of anhedonia. Clinicl Trial Registration Number: NCT03790085.

Keywords: Anticipatory anhedonia; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Consummatory anhedonia; Interleukin-10; Major depressive disorder.

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03790085