A case-control study of oxidative stress and endogenous antioxidants in major depressive disorder at a tertiary care hospital in Assam

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Although its etiopathogenesis remains largely unknown, several studies suggest that major depression is characterized by decreased antioxidant status and increased oxidative stress. This study aims to estimate oxidative stress markers (MDA) and endogenous antioxidants (SOD, Nrf2, uric acid, and albumin) in patients with MDD, compare them with healthy controls, and evaluate the correlation between oxidative stress markers, antioxidant levels, and disease severity. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 50 patients with MDD and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls over a period of one year at a tertiary care center in Assam. MDA, SOD, and Nrf2 levels were measured using ELISA kits. Uric acid and albumin were estimated using a double-beam UV spectrophotometer (Spectrascan UV-2600, Chemito). Results: MDA levels were significantly increased (p < 0.0001), while SOD, Nrf2, uric acid, and albumin levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the test group compared to the control group. Furthermore, MDA levels were positively correlated with the severity of depression, whereas SOD, Nrf2, and uric acid levels decreased significantly with increasing severity. Conclusion: Oxidative stress may play a key role in the pathophysiology of MDD, MDA, SOD, Nrf2, albumin, and uric acid could potentially serve as biomarkers for depression.