Total serum cholesterol level in patients with major depressive disorder: Simple yet undermined

Human brain cholesterol acts as structural components of cellular membrane, synapse and dendrite formation.Researchers have found a possible association between low serum cholesterol levels and mood disorders though the literature from India in this regard is limited. To estimate serum levels of total cholesterol in patients with major depressive disorder. 75 patients of MDD were compared with equal number of age and sex matched controls. 5 ml of fasting sample of blood was obtained in a plain vacutainer to analyse total cholesterol level by Cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase method. Statistical analysis: The obtained results were tabulated and analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis, independent t-test, Chi-square test and area under the curve. The mean level of cholesterol in cases (158.85±61.22 mg/dL) which was significantly lower compared to the controls (182.71±40.98 mg/dL) with P <0.01. The symptoms of MDD negatively correlated with lower serum cholesterol level with odds ratio of 0.99. There was statistically significant lower level of cholesterol in the MDD group below 140 mg/dL compared to the control group with P <0.001. As the measurement of total serum cholesterol is simple and cost effective, it can be used as an important biochemical marker for MDD.

The chronopharmacological effect of curcurnin on human gall-bladder.

Human gallbladder physiologically contracts and relaxes periodically. It has been demonstrated that curcumin (C) an active compound of Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma domestica produces a positive cholekinetic effect. The objective of this study is to define the influence of physiologic contraction and refilling of human gallbladder on the cholekinetic effect of Curcumin, and to determine the rime to achieve the maximum gall-bladder contraction after administration of 40 mg curcumin. Twelve healthy volunteers ingested 40 mg C and placebo (P) in a randomized double blind cross over study design. The volumes of gallbladder before and after taking C and P were half hourly determined by utrasonography and calculated using the ellipsoid methad for 6.0 hours. After P administration there is no gallbladder contraction. While afier C administration there was a contraction phase for 2 hours followed by a refilling phase for another 2.5 hours and then followed by second gall-bladder contraction started for 4.5 up to 6.0 hours. The maximal volume of gallblndder after 6.A hours was less than the basal volume, The cholekinetic effect of C is not chronopharmacologically influenced by the gall-bladder physiologic periodic contraction and refilling. The maximum contraction effect of C was achieved at 2 hours after oral administraion.