Title:Biomarkers in Post-stroke Depression
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Author(s): Vinicius Sousa Pietra Pedroso, Milene Alvarenga Rachid and Antonio Lucio Teixeira
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Biomarkers, depression, review, stroke, neuropsychiatric.
Abstract: Depression is the most frequent neuropsychiatric complication after a stroke. Post-stroke depression has a significant
impact on the outcome and prognosis of affected patients. Its diagnosis is complex and currently based only on
clinical parameters. In recent years, efforts have been made to find biomarkers related to post-stroke outcomes, including
complications such as depression. We carried out a systematic review of the literature looking for studies that investigated
biomarkers associated with post-stroke depression (PSD) in Medline, Lilacs and PsycInfo databases. The results of 37
studies are discussed, describing the evidence for each evaluated biomarker. In conclusion, no evidence was found supporting
the use of a particular biomarker for PSD. However, several changes were observed in inflammatory balance, oxidative
stress, glutamatergic neurotransmission, production of neurotrophic factors, and genetic susceptibility that can be
related to PSD. Research in the area of post-stroke biomarkers has the potential to provide personalized approach of stroke
patients, also aiding in the diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiology of this common neuropsychiatric complication.
