Low Neuroactive Steroids Identifies a Biological Subtype of Depression in Adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy.

TitleLow Neuroactive Steroids Identifies a Biological Subtype of Depression in Adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsMukerji, SS, Misra, V, Lorenz, DR, Chettimada, S, Keller, K, Letendre, S, Ellis, RJ, Morgello, S, Parker, RA, Gabuzda, D
JournalJ Infect Dis
Date Published2020 Mar 10
ISSN1537-6613
KeywordsExternal
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and mortality risk of depression in people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infection (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is higher than in the general population, yet biomarkers for therapeutic targeting are unknown. Here, we aimed to identify plasma metabolites associated with depressive symptoms in PWH on ART.METHODS: This is a prospective study of ART-treated HIV-infected adults with or without depressive symptoms assessed using longitudinal Beck Depression Inventory scores. Plasma metabolite profiling was performed in two independent cohorts (total n=99) using liquid and gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.RESULTS: Participants with depressive symptoms had lower neuroactive steroids (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenediols, pregnenolone sulfate) compared to those without depressive symptoms. Cortisol/DHEA-S ratio, an indicator of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis imbalance, was associated with depressive symptoms (p<0.01) due to low DHEA-S, while cortisol was similar between groups. The odds of having depressive symptoms increased with higher cortisol/DHEA-S ratios [odds 2.5 per z-score, 95% confidence interval 1.3-4.7], independent of age and gender. Kynurenine to tryptophan ratio showed no significant associations.CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that altered neuroactive steroid metabolism may contribute to the pathophysiology of depression in ART-treated HIV-infected adults, representing a potential biological pathway for therapeutic targeting.

DOI10.1093/infdis/jiaa104
Alternate JournalJ Infect Dis
PubMed ID32157292
Grant ListU24 MH100929 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
U24 MH100931 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
R01 MH097659 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
K23 MH115812 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
P30 MH062512 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
U24 MH100930 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
P30 AI060354 / AI / NIAID NIH HHS / United States
U24 MH100925 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
K24 MH097673 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
R01 MH110259 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
R01 DA040391 / DA / NIDA NIH HHS / United States