Nutrition and Metabolic Insights

Aim: To assess serum Cu/Zn SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) concentration in individuals with clinical depression.

Subjects and methods: Serum from 36 individuals diagnosed with clinical depression and 18 healthy controls were tested for Cu/Zn SOD serum concentration using ELISAs.

Results: Serum Cu/Zn SOD levels of depressed individuals (both with and without secondary anxiety) were significantly higher than age and gender similar controls. We also found that, post anti-oxidant therapy, Cu/Zn SOD levels normalized to the level of normal healthy controls.

Discussion: These results suggest an association between Cu/Zn SOD serum levels and clinical depression.