Comparison of expression levels of MMP-9 AND TIMP-1 genes in patients diagnosed with unipolar and bipolar depression

Psychiatric disorders, especially bipolar and unipolar depression, are very common diseases affecting a significant portion of the global population. Despite the fact that a significant number of people are affected by these disorders, our understanding of the disorders is still somewhat limited. The exact genetic origin and cause of this condition have not yet been determined. Although several candidate genes have been identified in previous studies, a definitive candidate gene analysis has not been performed due to the significant influence of environmental variables and living conditions. Modulation and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its components trigger mental illnesses and may influence the progression of the condition. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have been commonly identified in various psychiatric disorders. Changes in their expression levels affect the extracellular matrix and initiate these degradations. Previous studies have shown that the expression levels of the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes are altered in individuals with bipolar depression (BD) and unipolar depression (UD). To evaluate the expression level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes in Turkish population, gene expressions were compared among 16 BD, 20 UD and 19 HC cases. Statistical analysis revealed that the expression level of MMP-9 gene was higher in healthy controls compared to unipolar and bipolar depression patients, but no statistically significant change was found in the expression level of TIMP-1 gene.