A study published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences has found a link between the aging of immune cells and specific mood symptoms of depression in women.
Key Findings
Researchers analyzed data from 440 women (261 with HIV, 179 without HIV) from the Women's Interagency HIV Study.
The study found that accelerated aging in monocytes was specifically linked to non-somatic (emotional and cognitive) symptoms of depression, including anhedonia, hopelessness, and feelings of failure. This association was present in both groups of women.
- Depression symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which distinguishes between somatic (physical) and non-somatic (emotional and cognitive) symptoms.
- Two types of epigenetic clocks were used to assess biological aging: one measuring aging across multiple cell types (multi-cell-type clock) and one specific to monocytes.
- The broader multi-cell-type clock showed no association with any depression measures.
- No association was found between monocyte aging and somatic symptoms, such as fatigue or appetite changes.
Background
Currently, depression diagnosis relies solely on patient-reported symptoms, with no objective biological test available. This is particularly relevant as individuals with immune system disorders, such as HIV, have higher rates of depression. The study was designed to explore biological factors underlying depression in women with and without HIV.
Expert Insight
Study author Nicole Beaulieu Perez (NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing) stated that the findings suggest objective biological testing could complement subjective symptom reports.
Perez noted that monocyte aging may serve as a sensitive marker for non-somatic symptoms. She cautioned that further research is needed before epigenetic aging can be used in clinical practice.
Funding
The research was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (grants F32MH129151, P30MH075673) and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (grant K08MD019998).