Beta-arrestins and Response to Venlafaxine in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (DEPARRESTCLIN)
Beta-arrestins and Response to Venlafaxine in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (DEPARRESTCLIN)
Predictive factors and biomarkers of response to antidepressants in major depressive disorder
 are scarce. Beta-arrestins are proteins which inhibit G Protein Coupled Receptors and
 desensitize serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors. The study hypothesis is that
 Beta-arrestins 1 and 2 are predictive factors and biomarkers of response to antidepressants
 in major depressive disorder. In a controlled prospective open naturalistic monocentric
 3-month study, 60 patients with a major depressive disorder requiring a treatment with
 venlafaxine will be included and assessed before treatment, 1 month and 3 months
 post-treatment. 20 controlled healthy subjects matched for age and gender will also be
 assessed. The Beta-arrestin pathway will be assessed using genetic polymorphisms, Peripheral
 Blood Mononuclear Cell measures and functional pathway. Antidepressant response will be
 assessed using depression scales, olfaction and memory as surrogate markers of neurogenesis.
Rationale: Predictive factors and biomarkers of response to antidepressants in major
 depressive disorder are scarce. Beta-arrestins are proteins which inhibit G Protein Coupled
 Receptors and desensitize serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors.

 Hypothesis: The study hypothesis is that Beta-arrestins 1 and 2 are predictive factors and
 biomarkers of response to antidepressants in major depressive disorder.

 Method: In a controlled prospective open naturalistic monocentric 3-month study, 60 patients
 with a major depressive disorder requiring a treatment with venlafaxine will be included and
 assessed before treatment, 1 month and 3 months post-treatment. 20 controlled healthy
 subjects matched for age and gender will also be assessed.

 Assessments:

 The Beta-arrestin pathway will be assessed using genetic polymorphisms, Peripheral Blood
 Mononuclear Cell measures and functional pathway.

 Antidepressant response will be assessed using depression scales, olfaction and memory as
 surrogate markers of neurogenesis.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Major Depressive Disorder

 -  current Major Depressive Episode

 -  Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score > 18

 -  requiring a new treatment with venlafaxine

 -  written informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  bipolar disorder

 -  psychotic disorder

 -  unstable somatic condition

 -  contraindication to cerebral RMI

 -  current treatment with mood stabilizers