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The folic acid endophenotype and depression in an elderly population

  • JNHA: Clinical Neurosciences
  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia

    N. Naumovski, X. Ng, L. Boyd, L. Dufficy, B. Blades, Z. Yates, P. Roach & M. Lucock

  2. School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle, PO Box 127, Brush Rd, Ourimbah, NSW, 2258, Australia

    M. Townley-Jones

  3. Teaching & Research Unit, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, PO Box 361, Gosford, NSW, 2250, Australia

    M. Veysey, B. Blades & J. Sturm

  4. Public Health Unit, Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, PO Box 361, Gosford, NSW, 2250, Australia

    C. Travers & P. Lewis

Authors
  1. N. Naumovski
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  2. M. Veysey
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  3. X. Ng
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  4. L. Boyd
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  5. L. Dufficy
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  6. B. Blades
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  7. C. Travers
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  8. P. Lewis
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  9. J. Sturm
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  10. M. Townley-Jones
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  11. Z. Yates
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  12. P. Roach
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  13. M. Lucock
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Lucock.

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Naumovski, N., Veysey, M., Ng, X. et al. The folic acid endophenotype and depression in an elderly population. J Nutr Health Aging 14, 829–833 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-010-0135-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-010-0135-5

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