Early Post-stroke Depressive Symptoms are Associated with Low Peripheral Levels of Soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 (sTREM-1) and Glial Cell-derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF)

Background: Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Among its complications, post-stroke depression (PSD) leads to a significant burden. The diagnosis of PSD is complex, and there are no biomarkers that can assist in its early identification and adequate management. Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate peripheral biomarkers in the acute phase of stroke and their potential association with depressive symptoms. Methods: We evaluated 60 patients in the acute phase of stroke by using standardized instruments of psychiatric and neurological assessment (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus- MINI-Plus, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-HADS, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-NIHSS) and measured peripheral biomarkers. Results: In multivariate analysis, low peripheral levels of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) and higher NIHSS scores were associated with PSD. The severity of depressive symptoms was inversely correlated with sTREM-1 and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels. Conclusion: This is the first study indicating an association between sTREM-1 and PSD. Our results may point to the involvement of glial mechanisms in the manifestation of depressive symptoms after stroke.