Platelets, fatty acids, depression and ischemic cardiovascular disease

Abstract

In our study we have evaluated the theme of the platelet fatty acid composition in 84 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of Major Depression (MD) according to the clinical diagnosis and the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression (HRSD), 50 subjects with ischemic cardiovascular disease, under coronary catheter, compared with 60 apparently normal people. We have analysed the groups without taking in account therapies, gender and age. The results obtained show the evidence of three fatty acids, Arachidonic Acid (AA), Linoleic Acid (LA), and Palmitic Acid (PA) in a peculiar position with respect to the biochemical characterization of MD, and three fatty acids, Oleic Acid (OA), Linoleic Acid (LA) and Arachidonic Acid (AA) in a peculiar position with respect to the biochemical characterization of Ischemic Heart Disease. These findings in platelets seem to be more specific indicators with respect to red blood cell fatty acids and plasma phospholipid fatty acids.