Circulating short chain fatty acids are associated with depression severity and predict remission from major depressive disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been shown to improve depression-like behavior in animal models. However, their predictive value for depression outcomes in humans remains unclear. If SCFAs are predictive, this would provide strong justification for their use in diagnostic and intervention strategies. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine whether baseline SCFA levels predict remission from depression over a six-month period. Secondary objectives included identifying the SCFA most strongly associated with depression outcomes and assessing the relationship between SCFA levels and inflammatory markers.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted, including a pre-selected subset of 50 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) at baseline, assessed at

SUBMITTER: Schiweck C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12320157 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature