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| Author(s): |
Licia Carla da Silva Costa
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | Campinas, SP. |
| Institution: | Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia |
| Defense date: | 2020-06-15 |
| Examining board members: |
Daniel Martins de Souza;
Karina Diniz Oliveira;
Renato Vicentini
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| Advisor: | Daniel Martins de Souza |
| Abstract | |
Late-life depression (LLD) corresponds to depressive episodes that occur around the age of 60 or more, yet differing in pathophysiological mechanisms when compared to major depression. For this reason, an integrated view of biological processes and altered biochemical pathways in patients with LLD may contribute to an improved diagnosis, more concise follow-up of treatment response or even help in the selection of medication. Here, we employ proteomics based on mass spectrometry aiming to identifying potential proteins associated with LLD and its related biochemical pathways, which will lead to the exploration of pathogenic processes that lead to this disorder. First, we performed a depletion of the most abundant protein fraction of the plasma, to better investigate the fraction with less abundant proteins. Then, we use a UDMSE method, which provides us with a better coverage of the complex plasma proteome. We then obtained 95 proteins though in silico analysis whose expression levels were significantly altered in LLD patient samples. These proteins are related to the immune system, in particular to the regulating cascade of the complementary system. We also found 6 proteins associated with the increased severity of depression, which participate in various biochemical pathways. In summary, these findings confirm that LLD is a disorder of heterogeneous pathophysiology, with different pathways contributing to different phenotypes. The relationship of these biochemical pathways with different symptoms displayed by patients may provide clues for the investigation of new pharmacological targets and also for new therapeutic approaches. For this, however, further studies involving a larger cohort are necessary for a more precise molecular portrayal of the various conditions that coexist in the LLD (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 18/03422-7 - Identification of blood-based biomarkers for late-life depression through proteomics |
| Grantee: | Licia Carla da Silva Costa |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |