Celiac.com 03/15/2008 - For the first time, medical researchers have shown that an activation of the inflammatory response system accompanies major depression and that pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may trigger symptoms of depression. In the face of the study results, researchers are recommending that patients with depression be screened for leaky gut using IgM and IgA panels.

Researchers set out to determine the role played by increased gastrointestinal permeability coupled with an increased translocation of LPS from gram-negative bacteria in the pathophysiology of major depression (MDD). The researcher team was made up of M. Maes, M. Kubera, J.C. Leunis. The team created a study to evaluate serum levels of IgM and IgA against LPS of the gram-negative enterobacteria Hafnia Alvei, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Morganella Morganii, Pseudomonas Putida, Citrobacter Koseri, and Klebsielle Pneumoniae in MDD patients and normal controls.

Compared to the non-depressive control groups, patients with major depression (MDD) showed significantly greater prevalences and median values for serum IgM and IgA against LPS of enterobacteria. Increased levels of IgM and IgA are associated with fatigue, autonomic and gastro-intestinal symptoms and a subjective feeling of infection.

Leaky Gut a Factor in Major Depression

The results demonstrate that intestinal mucosal dysfunction marked by an elevated translocation of gram-negative bacteria (leaky gut) plays a role in the inflammatory pathophysiology of depression.

Researchers are suggesting that IgM and IgA panels be used to screen people who suffer from depression for leaky gut.

Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008 Feb;29(1):117-24.

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