Blood circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA as a potential biomarker for major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD), but reliable, measurable biomarkers remain elusive. As a minimally invasive and quantifiable biomarker, circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) in blood offers potential for objective assessment of mitochondrial stress in MDD. However, evidence linking regarding the association between ccf-mtDNA levels and MDD is limited and inconsistent.

Methods

We systematically searched eight databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and major Chinese repositories. Thirteen studies with 1370 participants (837 individuals with MDD and 533 controls) were included per PRISMA guidelines. P-values were synthesized using the Lipták-Stouffer Z-score method. Sensitivity and fail-safe N analyses ass

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12923772 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature