The Relationship Between Vitamin D, Clinical Manifestations, and Functional Network Connectivity in Female Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Evidence suggests the pivotal role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) via its effects on the brain. Gender differences exist in both depression and vitamin D level. Our objective was to investigate the association between gender, vitamin D, clinical manifestations, and functional network connectivity in a large sample of MDD patients and healthy controls. Resting-state functional MRI data were collected from 122 patients and 119 controls, with independent component analysis adopted to examine large-scale inter- and intranetwork functional connectivity. Serum concentration of vitamin D (SCVD) and clinical manifestations were also assessed. MDD patients exhibited lower SCVD than controls in females but not males. Moreover, we identified a female-specific association between lower SCVD and poorer cognitive performance. Concurrently, MDD-related functional network connectivity changes were correlated with SCVD in females as well as depression and anxiety symptoms in female patients. Remarkably, MDD- and SCVD-related functional network connectivity alterations mediated the associations between SCVD and cognition in females. Aside from providing evidence for a female-specific neurobiological mechanism whereby low vitamin D might contribute to MDD and its associated clinical characteristics, our findings inform a novel conceptualization that adjuvant vitamin D supplementation therapy may yield clinical benefits in improving treatment outcomes in female patients with MDD.

A review focus on the latest research progress of vitamin D in brain science

“…It is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been recognized for assisting the body's absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are necessary for bone development. The substance is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective [1]. To further support brain health, it enhances neurotrophic factors including nerve growth factor.…”

“…To further support brain health, it enhances neurotrophic factors including nerve growth factor. According to recent research, VD may help to lessen the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease [1]. Numerous preclinical research provide credence to the idea that low VD levels are linked to cognitive decline, attention deficit disorders, and behavioral issues.…”

“…Patients with Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment regularly have much lower levels of VD than healthy adults, according to cross-sectional research. Low VD levels may be linked to Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, according to studies and analysis [1]. Numerous processes, such as the control of neurotrophic growth factors, inflammation, and thrombosis, may cause VD to have an impact on the brain.…”

“…Numerous processes, such as the control of neurotrophic growth factors, inflammation, and thrombosis, may cause VD to have an impact on the brain. Since supplementation, food, and solar exposure may all maintain adequate serum concentrations of VD, it has become more important to identify modifiable risk factors for dementia and stroke [1]. VD comes in the form of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.…”