Genetic and Biochemical Markers of Interferon-Induced Depression.
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Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify predictors and associated biochemical markers of interferon-induced depression. It is hypothesized that genetic variation in genes related to the serotonergic system may predict vulnerability to interferon-induced depression.
| Condition | Intervention |
|---|---|
|
Depression |
Drug: interferon-alpha |
| Study Type: | Observational |
| Study Design: | Observational Model: Cohort Time Perspective: Prospective |
| Official Title: | Genetic and Biochemical Markers of Interferon-Induced Depression. |
- genotype and phenotype (as measured by Beck Depression Inventory-II). [ Time Frame: The proposed enrollment began after funding notification and enrollment will last for a period of 40 months and until end of study. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Biospecimen Retention: Samples With DNA
Blood samples are being collected to determine the variability in the development of depressive symptoms induced by interferon. Thus, we plan to measure specific genetic polymorphisms [i.e., in the serotonin (5-HT) transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), in the promoter of the 5-HT1A receptor subtype, and an intronic tryptophan hydroxylase polymorphism]. Tryptophan, 5-HT, and cortisol blood levels will also be measured.
| Enrollment: | 36 |
| Study Start Date: | April 2006 |
| Study Completion Date: | September 2009 |
| Primary Completion Date: | September 2009 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure) |
| Groups/Cohorts | Assigned Interventions |
|---|---|
|
Group 1
Research participants are: 1) male or female, 2) age 18 or older, 3) chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus, 4) candidates for interferon therapy, 4) not on antidepressant treatment , and 5) not currently abusing any substances such as alcohol or intravenous drugs, or having abused in the past 6 months
|
Drug: interferon-alpha
This is an observational study only. The patients are on interferon alpha therapy for HCV, but prescribing interferon is not a part of this research study protocol.
|
Detailed Description:
- Objective of project: Interferon-a (IFN)-induced depression is a common complication of its use in treating patients for hepatitis C (HCV), with reports of up to 44% of patients experiencing these depressive side effects. The central hypothesis of the proposed research is that polymorphisms in specific serotonergic genes are associated with a propensity to develop IFN-induced depression. Further, IFN-induced decreases in tryptophan and serotonin (5-HT) levels are putatively related to the emergence of depressive symptoms during IFN therapy. The objective of this proposal is to identify predictors of IFN-induced depression such that depressive side effects can be better managed and treated thus permitting patients to complete a full course of IFN therapy.
Research plan: We plan to test our hypothesis and accomplish the objectives of this application by pursuing the following two specific objectives:
- to evaluate the role of genetic loci that may contribute to the vulnerability to IFN using association analyses. Vulnerability is operationalized as the maximal Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score, co-varying for pre-treatment BDI-II scores, and
- to identify the effects and time course of antiviral therapy on potential biomarkers of IFN-induced depression, including tryptophan, 5-HT, and cortisol levels. Changes in biochemical levels will be compared to depressive symptomology and genetic vulnerability.
Methodology: Patients will be asked to participate in a prospective study in which they will be monitored during the course of IFN therapy for symptoms of depression and for biochemical changes measured in their blood. 120 HCV patients initiating IFN therapy will be recruited (3/month for 40 months) from the Portland VA and the Long Beach VA Medical Centers. Following baseline assessments, subjects will be followed every 2 weeks for a period of 4 months. The development of major depression, depressive symptoms, and related IFN-induced side effects will be monitored using rating scales. For genetic and biochemical measures, blood samples will be collected prior to and during IFN therapy. Patients will be tested for genetic polymorphisms in the 5-HT transporter, 5-HT1A receptor subtype, and tryptophan hydroxylase.
Analyses. Using linear regression, genotype will be the independent variable, and co-varying for baseline BDI-II score, the maximal BDI-II score will be examined as a dependent variable. An ANOVA for repeated measures will be performed to determine the effects of IFN therapy on tryptophan, 5-HT, and cortisol levels. In addition, the Mann-Whitney test will be used to determine if there are significant relationships between the development of depression and changes in neurotransmitter or neuroendocrine levels.
- Findings, results or conclusions reached to date: In preliminary studies we found that 33% of HCV patients on IFN therapy developed major depressive disorder during the course of treatment. In addition, preliminary pilot results suggest that the 5-HT transporter polymorphism short allele and the "C" allele for the tryptophan hydroxylase A799C polymorphism may increase vulnerability to IFN-induced depression.
- Clinical relevance: There are currently no known, reliable predictors of IFN-induced depression. The chronic disease of HCV infection collectively affects approximately 4 million Americans and 200 million people worldwide. IFN is the only clinically approved medication whose long-term use can reduce the risk of a fatal outcome and even be curative in some individuals. However, side effects associated with IFN therapy represent a major obstacle to adequate treatment for patients with HCV, often resulting in the discontinuation IFN therapy.
Eligibility| Ages Eligible for Study: | 18 Years and older |
| Genders Eligible for Study: | Both |
| Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
| Sampling Method: | Non-Probability Sample |
120 patients initiating interferon therapy will be recruited from the Portland, Minneapolis, and Long Beach VAMCs. The study is limited to only those participants who are currently mentally healthy at baseline and eligible to receive interferon therapy. Research participants are: 1) male or female, 2) age 18 or older, 3) chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus, 4) candidates for interferon therapy, 4) not on antidepressant treatment , and 5) not currently abusing any substances such as alcohol or intravenous drugs, or having abused in the past 6 months
Inclusion Criteria:
- Serum positive for hepatitis C
- Age 18 or older
- Not pregnant and using adequate contraception
- Hepatologist-determined patient is a candidate for interferon therapy
- Written/signed informed consent specific for this protocol has been obtained prior to entry
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of active: depression, psychotic symptoms, or bipolar disorder (or history of bipolar disorder) during the previous 3 months
- On antidepressant medications for any reason
- Currently abusing any substances such as alcohol or intravenous drugs, or having abused in the past 6 months.
Contacts and Locations| United States, California | |
| VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA | |
| Long Beach, California, United States, 90822 | |
| United States, Minnesota | |
| VA Medical Center, Minneapolis | |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55417 | |
| United States, Oregon | |
| VA Medical Center, Portland | |
| Portland, Oregon, United States, 97201 | |
| Principal Investigator: | Peter Hauser, MD | VA Medical Center, Long Beach |
More Information
Additional Information:
Publications:
| Responsible Party: | Department of Veterans Affairs |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00252538 History of Changes |
| Other Study ID Numbers: | MHBA-20-04F |
| Study First Received: | November 9, 2005 |
| Last Updated: | January 25, 2013 |
| Health Authority: | United States: Federal Government |
Keywords provided by Department of Veterans Affairs:
|
Cortisol Depression Hepatitis C Interferon |
Polymorphism Serotonin Tryptophan |
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
|
Depression Depressive Disorder Behavioral Symptoms Mood Disorders Mental Disorders Interferon-alpha Interferon Alfa-2a Interferons Antiviral Agents Anti-Infective Agents |
Therapeutic Uses Pharmacologic Actions Immunologic Factors Physiological Effects of Drugs Angiogenesis Inhibitors Angiogenesis Modulating Agents Growth Substances Growth Inhibitors Antineoplastic Agents |
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on May 23, 2013