There is a lack of data examining the biomarkers (objective measures) of depression in people with MS.
This pilot study will be the first to provide information on treating of depression, and associated reductions in specific biomarkers over time, in people newly diagnosed with MS and depression. This would provide support for the depression treatment as an important disease-modifying therapeutic strategy, as well as a symptomatic treatment for people with MS.
Greater understanding of the role of inflammation is important to enhance our understanding of the causes and consequences of depression in MS.
This study will measure biomarkers of inflammation in blood and saliva, and see how they change over time in response to therapy for depression in people with MS.
If certain biomarkers are found to change in response to psychological treatment, these could potentially assist in future with treatment decisions, improved diagnosis, tracking progression and determining the response to therapy for depression.
Associate Professor Kiropoulos and her collaborators have collected blood and saliva samples across three timepoints from 30-40 people in the ACTIVE-MS study, a clinical trial of interventions for depression in MS.
They have developed new tests for inflammatory molecules called cytokines in the blood and saliva. Analysis of the samples is underway.
Preliminary results of a small set of samples thus far suggests that inflammatory molecules were either reduced or stayed at the same level during cognitive behavioural therapy (a type of treatment for depression). In contrast, participants in the supportive listening group had similar or increased levels of inflammatory cytokines.
The full results of the study will be updated following completion of sample analysis.
Updated 31 March 2025
Dr Litza Kiropoulos
$24,000
2022
2 years
Current project
