Department of Biological Sciences

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Browsing Department of Biological Sciences by Subject "Depression"

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    Role of SLC6A4 Gene in Serotonin Levels, Gonadocorticoids and Inflammation on the Severity of Depression in Patients from Nigeria
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Obianuju Ibifuro OJIKAH
    Depression is a complex disorder influenced by genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Sex, age-related differences alongside lifestyle choices play a a dynamic role in the concurrence of depression and its severity in men and women. The SLC6A4 gene, responsible for serotonin transporter regulation, has been implicated in depression. However, the relationship between SLC6A4 gene variants, serotonin levels, gonadocorticoids, inflammation, and depression severity in Nigerian patients remains unexplored. This study investigated the association between gene- environmental factors, serum serotonin, IL-6 and gonadocorticoids levels on depression severity in Nigerian patients. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Federal Ministry of Health with approval number: NHREC/01/01/2007-01/09/2024. A case-control study was conducted, 164 participants, 73 with depression and 91 healthy controls were recruited. 10 mls of blood samples were collected from all participants, After consent was given, two questionnaires were issued and enrolment characteristics were recorded. qPCR genotyping of SLC6A4 gene variants, rs6354 and rs8076005, serum serotonin and IL-6 were estimated by ELISA kits. Progesterone, testosterone and estrogen were quantified with CLIA microparicles kits. The results show that SLC6A4 long or short alleles were not present in this population. rs6354 played a role in severe depression (p=0.035). Significantly levels of reduced serum serotonin levels (p= <0.001) and testosterone (p=0.024) in the cases, compared to controls. Males testosterone levels was significantly increased in severe depression (p= 0.033). Both rs8076005 and rs634 the recessive homozygous alleles were risk factors for low serotonin levels (p= <0.001). Il-6 levels showed protective traits in women who were diagnosed with depression (p= 0.048). Employment and alcohol consumption were also found to protect against odds of depression occurrence. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, and number of children or lack of, did not show any noticeable associations to depression, neither did progesterone or oestrogen. This study provides evidence for the role of lifestyle, SLC6A4 gene in modulating serotonin levels, as well as hormonal factors, which contribute to the severity of depression in men and women in Nigeria. This study highlights the complex interplay between biological factors in depression and underscores the need for personalized treatment approaches. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying depression and have implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Keywords: Depression, Polymophism, Serotonin, Inflammation, Gonadocorticiods, Nigeria. Word Count: 368 words