Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/930208

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Title
The folic acid endophenotype and depression in an elderly population
Author/Creator
Naumovski, N.;  Veysey, M.;  Yates, Z.;  Roach, P.;  Lucock, M.;  Ng, X.;  Boyd, L.;  Dufficy, L.;  Blades, B.;  Travers, C.;  Lewis, P.;  Sturm, J.;  Townley-Jones, M.
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Science & Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Description
Objectives: Folate status and/or genes have been linked to depression in a number of studies. This may be via a direct action (or actions) on neuronal membranes or indirect effects through the metabolism of methyl groups involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. This study examines folate and related thiol metabolism that might underpin either phenomenon. Design: Cohort study describing the relationship between several genetic and nutritional aspects of folic acid homeostasis and depression assessed by the HADS psychometric index in an elderly cohort. Setting: New South Wales (Australia) retirement village. Participants: 118 elderly participants (age 65–90 years). Results: Stepwise multiple regression was used to determine the best statistical model to predict depression; C677T-MTHFR (p=0.0103) was found to be positively associated with depression, while the thiol dipeptide Cys-Gly was negatively associated (p=0.0403). The statistical models used accounted for the major folate related indices (genetic and biochemical) that are most often evaluated in the context of health and disease. When only genetic data were examined for interactions, C677T-MTHFR was found to be negatively associated with the HADS Depression Index Score (p=0.0191). Conclusion: The potential influence of Cys-Gly on this phenotype is novel, and of considerable interest given that it has been linked to altered spontaneous activity and sedation in an animal model. Cys-Gly is a recognised ligand at the N-methyl-D-aspartatic acid (NMDA) subclass of glutamate receptor, a system associated with depression. In addition, the C677T-MTHFR association adds further support to existing findings underscoring the potential role of folate in depression.
Relation
Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging Vol. 14, Issue 10, p. 829-833
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12603-010-0135-5
Date
2010
Publisher
Editions SERDI
Keyword(s)
folate;  depression;  homocysteine;  cysteinylglycine;  polymorphism;  MTHFR
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/930208
Identifier
ISSN:1279-7707
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Subject
"Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging"
 
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