Analysis of vitamin D status in major depression.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study were to determine the serum level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), a vitamin D metabolite, in patients with recurrent depression, to assess risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, and to evaluate whether the severity of symptoms of depression and response to treatment were associated with serum vitamin 25(OH)D level. METHOD: Ninety-one patients 18 to 65 years of age meeting the ICD-10 criteria for recurrent depression were evaluated for depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The control group consisted of 89 healthy subjects matched according to sex and age. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (Ca) were determined in all group members. RESULTS: A significantly decreased serum level of 25(OH)D was observed in the group of patients with recurrent depression compared with healthy subjects. PTH and Ca levels were within the reference values in a substantial majority of patients. No correlation was found between 25(OH)D serum level and age, sex, height, body mass index, disease duration, number of depressive episodes, type of pharmacotherapy, or effectiveness of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Low serum levels of 25(OH)D in patients with recurrent depression suggest that these patients are an important risk group for vitamin D deficiency. However, no relationship was found between these low levels of 25(OH)D and response to treatment for depression. Nevertheless, the results indicate the need to monitor the concentration and supplementation of products containing calciferol in such patients.

A 10-week memantine treatment in bipolar depression: a case report. Focus on depressive symptomatology, cognitive parameters and quality of life.

Memantine and other glutamatergic agents have been currently investigated in some off-label indications due to glutamatergic involvement in several psychoneurological disorders. We assumed that memantine similarly to ketamine may positively influence mood, moreover having a potential to improve cognition and general quality of life. We report a case of a 49-year-old male hospitalized during a manic and a subsequent moderate depressive episode. After an ineffective use of lithium, olanzapine and antidepressive treatment with mianserin, memantine was added up to 20 mg per day for 10 weeks. The mental state was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Clinical Global Inventory, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale and psychological tests. After 10 weeks the patient achieved a partial symptomatic improvement in mood, anxiety and quality of sleep, but his activity remained insufficient. We also observed an improvement in the parameters of cognitive functioning and quality of life. There was neither significant mood variations during the memantine use nor mood changes after its termination. No significant side effects were noted during the memantine treatment. We conclude that using memantine in bipolar depression may improve mood, cognitive functioning and quality of life.

[Medical and legal aspects of smoking]. / Medyczne i prawne aspekty palenia tytoniu.

Tobacco is known worldwide for several thousand years. Smoking is the strongest and most common type of addiction. The harmful effect of tobacco on the human body leads to the development of cancer, respiratory, cardiovascular, skin diseases. It was also noted adverse effects of tobacco on inflammatory and immunologic phenomena. Taken numerous legal actions aimed at reducing the negative health effects among smokers as well as measures to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke of people from the surroundings.