Abstract

Background: Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Among its complications, post-stroke depression (PSD) leads to a significant burden. The diagnosis of PSD is complex, and there are no biomarkers that can assist in its early identification and adequate management.

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate peripheral biomarkers in the acute phase of stroke and their potential association with depressive symptoms.

Methods: We evaluated 60 patients in the acute phase of stroke by using standardized instruments of psychiatric and neurological assessment (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus- MINI-Plus, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-HADS, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-NIHSS) and measured peripheral biomarkers.

Results: In multivariate analysis, low peripheral levels of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) and higher NIHSS scores were associated with PSD. The severity of depressive symptoms was inversely correlated with sTREM-1 and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels.

Conclusion: This is the first study indicating an association between sTREM-1 and PSD. Our results may point to the involvement of glial mechanisms in the manifestation of depressive symptoms after stroke.

Keywords: Stroke, post-stroke depression, biomarkers, sTREM-1, GDNF, cognitive dysfunction.