Teymoor Yary1, Tommi Tolmunen2, Soili M Lehto3, Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen1, Tarja Nurmi1, Jussi Kauhanen1, Sari Voutilainen1, Anu Ruusunen4. 1. University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland. 2. Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 70029, KYS, Kuopio, Finland. 3. Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 70029, KYS, Kuopio, Finland; Institute of Behavioral Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 70029, KYS, Kuopio, Finland. Electronic address: anu.ruusunen@kuh.fi.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Depression is a major public health challenge worldwide, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially n-3 PUFAs, have been found to inversely associate with the risk of depression. However, only few cross-sectional studies have investigated the association between dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), an n-6 PUFA with anti-inflammatory effects, and depression. The aims of the present study were to examine an association between serum DGLA and the risk of depression, and to study whether the potential association is mediated via inflammation. METHODS: A 20-year prospective Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor (KIHD) follow-up study was conducted from 1984 to 1989 with 2179 middle-aged and older Finnish men (42-60 years old at baseline). The baseline concentrations of serum fatty acids, including DGLA, were determined. A hospital discharge diagnosis of depression was used as the main outcome and obtained from linkage to National Hospital Discharge Register. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured to assess inflammation. RESULTS: An inverse association between serum DGLA concentration and incidence of depression was found after adjustment for several potential confounders (Hazard ratio HR 0.53, CI 0.36-0.79, P=0.002). The association between DGLA and depression was not dependent on inflammation (P-interaction=0.618). LIMITATIONS: Our findings may not be generalizable to individuals below middle-age or women. Moreover, we were unable to consider cases with mild depression in the longitudinal setting. CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum DGLA concentrations may predict lower risk of develop depression in elderly men. Further studies are warranted to address potential mechanisms as mechanism behind this association remains unclear.
BACKGROUND:Depression is a major public health challenge worldwide, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially n-3 PUFAs, have been found to inversely associate with the risk of depression. However, only few cross-sectional studies have investigated the association between dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), an n-6 PUFA with anti-inflammatory effects, and depression. The aims of the present study were to examine an association between serum DGLA and the risk of depression, and to study whether the potential association is mediated via inflammation. METHODS: A 20-year prospective Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor (KIHD) follow-up study was conducted from 1984 to 1989 with 2179 middle-aged and older Finnish men (42-60 years old at baseline). The baseline concentrations of serum fatty acids, including DGLA, were determined. A hospital discharge diagnosis of depression was used as the main outcome and obtained from linkage to National Hospital Discharge Register. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured to assess inflammation. RESULTS: An inverse association between serum DGLA concentration and incidence of depression was found after adjustment for several potential confounders (Hazard ratio HR 0.53, CI 0.36-0.79, P=0.002). The association between DGLA and depression was not dependent on inflammation (P-interaction=0.618). LIMITATIONS: Our findings may not be generalizable to individuals below middle-age or women. Moreover, we were unable to consider cases with mild depression in the longitudinal setting. CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum DGLA concentrations may predict lower risk of develop depression in elderly men. Further studies are warranted to address potential mechanisms as mechanism behind this association remains unclear.