Clinical response to EPA supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder is associated with higher plasma concentrations of pro-resolving lipid mediators

• Authors: Stefania Lamon-Fava, Tufts University; Minying Liu, Tufts University; Boadie Dunlop, Emory University; Becky Kinkead, Emory University; Pamela Schettler, Emory University; Jennifer Felger, Emory University; Thomas Ziegler, Emory University; Maurizio Fava, Massachusetts General Hospital; David Mischoulon, Massachusetts General Hospital; Mark Rapaport, Emory University
• Journal Title: NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
• Volume: Volume 48, Number 6
• Publisher: SPRINGERNATURE | 2023-01-12, Pages 929-935
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-022-01527-7
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Nutrition; Health Sciences, Mental Health; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Neurosciences; Pharmacology & Pharmacy; Psychiatry; Neurosciences & Neurology; FATTY-ACID SUPPLEMENTATION; DOUBLE-BLIND; INFLAMMATION; RESOLUTION; METAANALYSIS; EXPRESSION; RESISTANCE; BEHAVIORS; INCREASE; OBESITY

Abstract

Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Activating the resolution of inflammation through ω-3 fatty acid supplementation may prove to be a successful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MDD. Patients with MDD, body mass index >25 kg/m2, and plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥3 μg/mL (n = 61) were enrolled in a 12-week randomized trial consisting of 4 parallel arms: EPA 1, 2, and 4 g/d, and placebo. The supplement contained EPA and DHA in a 3.9:1 ratio. Depression symptoms were assessed using the IDS-C30 scale. Plasma fatty acids and pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) were measured in 42 study completers at baseline and at the end of treatment by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The response rate (≥50% reduction in IDS-30 score) was higher in the 4 g/d EPA arm than placebo (Cohen d = 0.53). In the 4 g/d EPA arm, responders had significantly greater increases in 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) and 13-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (13-HDHA) than non-responders (p < 0.05). Within the 4 g/d EPA arm, the increase in 18-HEPE was significantly associated with reductions in plasma hs-CRP concentrations (p < 0.05) and IDS-C30 scores (p < 0.01). In summary, response rates were greater among patients with MDD randomized to EPA 4 g/d supplementation and in those who showed a greater ability to activate the synthesis of 18-HEPE. The inverse association of 18-HEPE with both systemic inflammation and symptoms of depression highlights the activation of the resolution of inflammation as a likely mechanism in the treatment of MDD with ω-3 fatty acid supplementation.