Combined analysis of microbiomic and genetic factors of suicide and depression

Combined analysis of microbiomic and genetic factors of suicide and depression

Project goal: A comprehensive study of the composition of the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract of people who have committed suicide, people who have attempted suicide, and a conditionally healthy population with symptoms of major depressive disorder to determine preventive measures for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases in order to prevent suicidal attempts.

Project description: Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide, which is currently the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34 years. Up to twenty percent of adolescents suffer from BDD before reaching adulthood, and although a significant proportion of them improve with standard treatment (psychotherapy and medication), about one third do not. In addition, there is very little data in the literature examining how activation, mania, and increased suicidal thoughts change with prolonged treatment of depressive syndromes. Adolescents who do not respond to depression treatment have a higher suicide rate, more severe academic and social impairments, more serious problems in relationships with family and peers, and a higher likelihood of depression recurrence in adulthood. Our research is aimed at studying the compositional composition of the intestinal microbiome in patients with depression, and is aimed at improving the condition, reducing stress, anxiety, and BDR due to the interaction of the microbiota-gut-brain.

Project facilitators: PI: Kossumov Alibek

Realisation period: 2023-2025

Expected results:

1) A retrospective, epidemiological analysis of suicide cases will be conducted based on archived data from the metropolitan branch of the Institute of Forensic Examinations in Astana, the depth of the study in 2020-2022;
2) A prospective study will be conducted to study the epidemiology of suicide in Astana at the present time. Biological (cadaveric) material was collected (blood, stool from the intestine, gastrointestinal tract samples for morphology);
3) A 1:1 ratio of patients will be recruited from among those who committed suicide but were successfully resolved (Department of Psychiatry). Biological material was collected (blood, stool, questionnaires, questionnaires on depression assessment scales – the Hamilton Scale, the Montgomery-Asberg Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Becca Scale, the Tsung Depression Self-assessment Scale, the Clinical Questionnaire for assessing neurotic conditions, the Columbia Scale of severity of suicidal intentions);
4) A 1:1:1 ratio of patients will be recruited from among those who committed suicide but were successfully resolved (Department of Neurology). Biological material was collected (blood, stool, questionnaires, questionnaires on depression assessment scales – the Hamilton Scale, the Montgomery-Asberg Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Becca Scale, the Tsung Depression Self-assessment Scale, the Clinical Questionnaire for assessing neurotic conditions, the Columbia Scale of severity of suicidal intentions);
5) A 1:1:1:1 ratio of patients from a conditionally healthy population will be recruited for the control group. Biological material was collected (blood, stool, questionnaires, questionnaires on depression assessment scales – the Hamilton Scale, the Montgomery-Asberg Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Becca Scale, the Tsung Depression Self-assessment Scale, the Clinical Questionnaire for assessing neurotic conditions, the Columbia Scale of severity of suicidal intentions);
6) The compositional composition of the intestinal microbiome will be studied in the presence or absence of depression (BDR) in people who have committed suicide, people who have attempted suicide, and conditionally healthy populations.;
7) The main genetic characteristics of predisposition to depression will be studied. SNP analysis of BDNF, P2X7, HOMER1, IL-6, IL-1b, TNF-α;
8) The analysis of the received data and statistical processing of the results will be carried out. The results of the research are presented at conferences (seminars, round tables and workshops). The final report has been prepared.

Methodology: Prior to the screening and recruitment of patients who have attempted suicide, the Department of Psychiatry (City Mental Health Center of the Astana Akimat Health Department) and the Department of Neurology (Multidisciplinary Hospital of the Astana Akimat Health Department) will collect cadaveric material by forensic medical experts (members of the research group) at the Branch of the Institute of Forensic Experts of the RSEThe Center for Forensic Examinations of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan" on the fact of committed suicide (hanging, poisoning, stab wounds, etc.). All materials will be collected with the permission of the administration of the Institution, as well as with the permission of law enforcement agencies and relatives of the deceased. A special Informed Consent form will be developed for relatives to participate and take biological samples for the purposes of a scientific project. The study is planned to include N amounts of material (among men and women over the age of 18) collected over a certain period of time) for further analysis. The set of materials is planned to be produced in all seasons of the year. In order to objectify data collection.