1. Altered expression of circadian rhythm genes among individuals with a history of depression
- Author
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Gouin, Jean-Philippe, Connors, James, Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K., Glaser, Ronald, Malarkey, William B., Atkinson, Cathie, Beversdorf, David, and Quan, Ning
- Subjects
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GENE expression , *CIRCADIAN rhythms , *DIAGNOSIS of mental depression , *DEPRESSED persons , *AFFECTIVE disorders , *CROSS-sectional method - Abstract
Abstract: Background: Depression has been associated with several circadian rhythm perturbations, suggesting a disruption of the circadian clock system in affective disorders. The interaction of several circadian clock genes generates these daily circadian rhythms. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated whether circadian gene expression differed between individuals with a history of depression and participants without a similar history. The participants were 60 healthy older adults. Half of the participants had a history of depression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the circadian gene Clock, BMAL1, Period1, and Period2 messenger RNA levels in peripheral blood leukocytes. Results: Individuals with a history of depression had higher Clock, Period1, and Bmal1 mRNA levels, compared to non-depressed participants. Limitations: Although circadian gene expression fluctuates throughout the day, clock gene mRNA levels were evaluated only in the morning. Conclusions: These results suggest that disruptions of the molecular mechanisms underlying the circadian clock system may be associated with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
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