A Meta-Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Studies on Glutamatergic Neurometabolite Levels in Major Depressive Disorder
Abstract
Glutamatergic neurometabolite dysregulation has recently garnered attention in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, studies have reported heterogeneous results for changes in neurometabolite levels across brain regions and whether these changes are related to antidepressant intervention. Herein, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate consistent findings by searching PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and SinoMed from the start date of these databases to May 2023 (PROSPERO#CRD42023405205). Among the 2529 publications screened, 55 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 1400 MDD patients and 1322 healthy controls. The results revealed significant decreases in Glx (glutamate + glutamine) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC), glutamate in the ACC and γ-aminobutyric acid in the occipital cortex in MDD patients compared with healthy controls. However, changes in neurometabolite levels from pre to posttherapeutic-intervention in MDD patients were not significant. Heterogeneity was moderate-to-high across all neurotransmitters and brain regions. Nonetheless, these findings inform current translation efforts for MDD research.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,400 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Biportal endoscopic versus microscopic lumbar decompressive laminectomy in patients with spinal stenosis: A randomized controlled trial
- A whey protein-based multi-ingredient nutritional supplement stimulates gains in lean body mass and strength in healthy older men: A randomized controlled trial
- Supplement-based nutritional strategies to tackle frailty: A multifactorial, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of creatine monohydrate as adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression
- Creatine supplementation (3 g/day) and bone health in older women: a 2-year, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
- A Multi-Ingredient Nutritional Supplement in Combination With Resistance Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Cognitive Function and Increases N-3 Index in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.