The role of nesfatin-1 in impaired appetite in patients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Aim The aim of the present study was to explore whether plasma nesfatin-1 levels are associated with impaired appetite in major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods Patients were recruited from outpatients who consecutively sought treatment in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the University Hospital since March 2012. All patients were diagnosed with major depressive disorder according to DSM-IV. The appetite of patients was assessed by specific questionnaire. We categorized patients into two groups according to their appetite. Study group consisted of 30 patients with increased appetite (MDD-IA), 28 patients with decreased appetite (MDD-DA) and 28 healthy controls. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Results There was no statistically significant difference in nesfatin-1 between groups. The mean serum nesfatin-1 level did not show any correlation with age, BMI, HAM-D scores and fasting blood glucose in patients groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that fasting plasma nesfatin-1 levels are unchanged in untreated MDD patients and there is no evidence for nesfatin-1 playing a role in impaired appetite in patients with MDD. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH.