Serotonin, cortisol, and DHEA-S levels in anxious and depressive pregnant women living with HIV

Pregnancy in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLWH) represents an important challenge for maternal-fetal health. Besides, they can also present anxiety (Anx) and depression (Dep). Imbalances in serotonin (5-HT), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and cortisol (CORT) levels can contribute to Anx and Dep manifestations. Currently, there is not enough data about the neuroendocrine and neurochemical changes in pregnant WLWH with affective disorders. This study aimed to characterize 5-HT, DHEA-S, and CORT plasma levels in Mexican pregnant WLWH presenting Anx/Dep. Forty-two adult pregnant women were recruited during the third trimester of gestation at the National Institute of Perinatology in Mexico during 2019-2022. These patients were divided into three groups: (1) pregnant WLWH with Anx/Dep (n = 16), (2) pregnant without HIV but with Anx/Dep (n = 12), and (3) healthy pregnant women without Anx/Dep (n = 14). WLWH presented a marked reduction in 5-HT (41.33 ± 39.37 ng/dL) compared to non-infected pregnant women with Anx/Dep (220.2 ± 151.8 ng/dL) and the healthy group (370.0 ± 145.3 ng/dL). Anx/Dep infected and uninfected pregnant women showed a significant reduction in DHEA-S levels (86.58 ± 30.59 and 76.9 ± 36.7 µg/dL, respectively) compared to healthy subjects (149.7 ± 44.6 µg/dL). Anx and Dep symptoms were inversely correlated with 5-HT and DHEA-S levels. No significant differences were observed in CORT levels among the three groups (p = 0.094). Our results suggest the presence of a disbalance in 5-HT and DHEA-S levels in pregnant WLWH with affective symptoms.