Expression of PON1, PON2, PON3 and MPO Genes in Patients with Depressive Disorders

Abstract

Background: Taking into account the role of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration, we sought to evaluate the expression of genes for select enzymes with antioxidant properties (paraoxonases PON1, PON2 and PON3 and myeloperoxidase MPO) at the mRNA and protein levels in patients with depressive disorders. We further sought to determine the impact of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of this group of mood disorders. Methods: A total of 290 subjects (190 depressed patients, 100 healthy controls) took part in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Venous blood was collected. RT-PCR was used to assess gene expression at the mRNA level, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess gene expression at the protein level. Results: The expression of the PON2 and PON3 genes at the protein level was significantly higher in depressive patients than in healthy controls. mRNA expression of the PON1, PON2 and PON3 genes was slightly higher in patients with depressive disorders than in the control group, however, this relationship was not statistically significant. On the other hand, the expression of the MPO gene at both mRNA and protein levels was significantly lower in patients with depressive disorder than in the control group. Conclusions: Our results are not in agreement with many studies on enzymes involved in maintaining oxidative balance. Our findings may not support the utility of paraoxonases (PON) or myeloperoxidase (MPO) as promising biomarker candidates of depression pending larger and well controlled studies.

Paraoxonase 1 status is a major Janus-faced component of mild and moderate acute ischemic stroke and consequent disabilities

“…Paraoxonases (PON) are an enzyme family comprising of PON1, PON2, and PON3 that hydrolyze organophosphate chemicals [19][20][21]. PON1 is a plasmatic enzyme with paraoxonase and arylesterase (AREase) activity, as well as antioxidative and antiin ammatory effects [22][23]. PON1 is an HDL-associated protein that shields HDL and LDL cholesterol from oxidation and can hydrolyze oxidized LDL-cholesterol, which may have atheroprotective properties [24].…”

The relationship between Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment parameters and depression in elderly patients

“…This study has limitations that are worth considering. First, based on studies that on one hand suggested that gene conversion may be an effective treatment for cerebral ischemia ( Driga et al, 2021 ), and on the other hand investigated PON1, PON2, PON3, and MPO gene expression in patients with depression ( Blizniewska-Kowalska et al, 2022 ), we considered that elderly patients with depression can also undergo genetic testing, which may provide information for the prediction of depression. In the future, it is worthwhile to collect a larger sample and add a gene marker project to explore the genetic characteristics of depression in the elderly and develop tools for its prediction.…”

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Neuroprotective Effects of Polyphenols—Polyphenols as an Element of Diet Therapy in Depressive Disorders

“…Studies conducted in a group of 190 depressed people and 100 healthy people showed that the expression of PON2 and PON3 genes at the protein level was significantly higher in patients with depression, while the mRNA expression of PON1, PON2, and PON3 genes did not differ in patients with depressive disorders compared to the control group. It was also shown that the expression of the MPO gene, both at the mRNA and protein levels, was significantly lower in patients with depressive disorders than in the control group [69].…”