Omega-6 fatty acids and greater likelihood of suicide risk and major depression in early pregnancy

Abstract

Objective To estimate the prevalence of suicide risk (SR) and major depressive episode (MDE) in early pregnancy, and the relationship of fatty acids serum status to these outcomes. Method Cross-sectional analyses of 234 pregnant women enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil were performed. SR and MDE were defined according to MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Fatty acids compositions were determined in serum samples obtained between the 6th and 13th gestational week. Statistical analyses included univariate and multiple logistic regressions. Fatty acids data were expressed both as percent of total fatty acids and converted to Z scores then entered as continuous variable into regression models. Results The prevalence of SR was 19.6% and MDE was 17.0%. Higher likelihood of SR was observed among women with higher arachidonic acid [AA (20:4n-6): OR=1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.07] and adrenic acid [AdA (22:4 n-6): OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.01-2.04], and for MDE: AA [OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.03-2.10], and AdA [OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.09-2.32], per standard deviation of fatty acid, in adjusted logistic regressions. Conclusion Higher serum status of AA and AdA, two omega-6 fatty acids, were associated with greater likelihood of SR and MDE among pregnant Brazilian women independently of confounding variables.

Suicidal ideation in pregnancy: an epidemiologic review

“…In two recent studies, investigators evaluated associations between suicidal ideation during pregnancy and various biomarkers, finding interesting results (Farias et al, 2013, Vaz et al, 2014). In 2013, Farias et al (Farias et al, 2013) found that pregnant women with current suicide risk (assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) had higher mean total cholesterol (169.2 vs. 159.2 mg/dL, p=0.017), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (50.4 vs. 47.7 mg/dL , p=0.031), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (102.8 vs. 95.6 mg/dL, p=0.022) compared to those without current suicide risk.…”

“…In 2013, Farias et al (Farias et al, 2013) found that pregnant women with current suicide risk (assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) had higher mean total cholesterol (169.2 vs. 159.2 mg/dL, p=0.017), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (50.4 vs. 47.7 mg/dL , p=0.031), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (102.8 vs. 95.6 mg/dL, p=0.022) compared to those without current suicide risk. Furthermore, in 2014, Vaz et al (Vaz et al, 2014) reported a higher likelihood of suicide risk among pregnant women with higher serum omega-6 fatty acids: arachidonic acid (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.02–2.07) and adrenic acid (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.01–2.04). Recently Fung et al, (Fung et al, 2015) assessed the relation between antepartum depression and maternal early pregnancy serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDF) concentration—a neurotrophin that is involved in neuronal cell growth, survival, and synaptic plasticity.…”

Suicide during Perinatal Period: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Clinical Correlates

“…were not associated with a hospitalization for a suicide attempt within 1 year after delivery ( 27 ). A cross-sectional analyses carried out on 234 pregnant women enrolled in a prospective cohort study in Brazil reported a higher likelihood of suicide risk among women with higher arachidonic acid and adrenic acid levels ( 39 ). Women who have had a postpartum psychiatric admission have a 70 times greater risk of suicide in their first postpartum year ( 40 , 41 ).…”

The Relationship between Fatty Acids and Different Depression-Related Brain Regions, and Their Potential Role as Biomarkers of Response to Antidepressants

“…For example, it was previously reported that serum n -6 PUFA levels are inversely correlated with depression [9], but Wolfe and colleagues observed a positive association between dietary n -6 PUFA intake (and corresponding blood levels) and risk of severe depression [10]. Furthermore, data from a cross-sectional study in pregnant Brazilian women found that high serum levels of n -6 PUFAs were associated with a greater likelihood of depression [74]. …”