Abstract | BACKGROUND: Major depression has been associated with endocrine and immune alterations, in particular a dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system with subsequent hypercortisolism and an imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF), a cytokine involved in angiogenesis and neurogenesis, may also be dysregulated during stress and depression. These observations prompted us to examine VEGF and other angiogenic factors in patients with major depressive disorder. METHODS: RESULTS: Increased concentrations of VEGF and FGF-2 were found in MDD/BPD patients compared to the healthy comparator group. No group differences were found concerning the other angiogenic factors examined. CONCLUSION: Depressive episodes in the context of borderline personality disorder may be accompanied by increased serum concentrations of VEGF and FGF-2. Similar findings have been observed in patients with major depression without a borderline personality disorder. A dysregulation of angiogenic factors may be another facet of the endocrine and immunologic disturbances frequently seen in patients with depressive episodes.
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Authors | Kai G Kahl, Susanne Bens, Kristin Ziegler, Sebastian Rudolf, Andreas Kordon, Leif Dibbelt, Ulrich Schweiger |
Journal | Psychoneuroendocrinology
(Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Vol. 34
Issue 3
Pg. 353-7
(Apr 2009)
ISSN: 0306-4530 [Print] England |
PMID | 19062198
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
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Topics |
- Adult
- Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
(metabolism)
- Borderline Personality Disorder
(blood, complications)
- Depressive Disorder, Major
(blood, complications)
- Female
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
(blood)
- Humans
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
(blood)
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