Evaluation of Serum Lysophosphatidic Acid and Lysophosphatidylcholine Levels in Major Depressive Disorder Patients

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous condition featured with a continuous low mood, feeling of sadness, lack of interest to perform daily activities. Genetic, physiological, biological, social, and environmental factors are associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Though several human studies failed to identify the suitable biological markers for depression, some animal studies showed phospholipids play a vital role in the alteration of emotion. Thus, the current study aimed to measure the serum levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in MDD patients and healthy controls (HCs) to explore their roles and relationship with depression. Methods This case-control study enrolled 53 MDD patients and 50 HCs matched by age, gender, and body mass index. Based on the…