Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2026_349321
The Effects of Dietary Habits and PPAR Gene Variants on Clinical Symptoms and Age at Onset of Major Depressive Disorder
Alena Buretić-Tomljanović
; Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet, Zavod za medicinsku biologiju i genetiku, Rijeka, Hrvatska
*
Jelena Rebić
; Klinički bolnički centar, Klinika za psihijatriju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Sergej Nadalin
; Opća bolnica „Dr. Josip Benčević“, Odjel za psihijatriju, Slavonski Brod, Hrvatska; Medicinski fakultet Hrvatskog katoličkog sveučilišta, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Klementina Ružić
; Klinički bolnički centar, Klinika za psihijatriju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Aim: The early age at onset (AAO) in major depressive disorder (MDD) shows a recurrent course and more severe long-term outcomes. We examined dietary determinants (habits) and common polymorphisms in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) genes that regulate metabolic processes in concert to estimate their interactions and effects on clinical symptoms or AAO in patients with MDD. Patients and Methods: A total of 117 MDD patients completed a self-estimating questionnaire regarding their dietary habits. AAO was based on self-reported data or data on the first hospital admission due to a depressive episode. Other clinical data were assessed during hospitalization due to illness exacerbation. PCR and PCR-RFLP were used to genotype three common genetic polymorphisms: i) rs1800206 (PPARA-SNP3-Leu162Val; ii) rs1801282 (PPARG-SNP1-Pro12Ala), and iii) rs3856806 (PPARG-SNP2-His161His). Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to assess clinical symptoms. Two models were investigated in the statistical analyses: H(SNP1/SNP2 haplotype) × F(dietary factor 1-4) and G(SNP3 genotype) × F(dietary factor 1-4). Results: The frequency of consumption of plant-based foodstuffs rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (dietary factor F1) interacted with PPARG haplotype and PPARA genotype in wild-type homozygotes (KWHSNP1-CC/SNP2-CC=11,82; P<0,01; KWHSNP3-CC=10,738; P<0,01). In these patients, a significant delay in depressive symptoms was found in the most frequent consumers of the F1 diet. In less numerous PPARG and PPARA minor-allele carriers, differences between frequent, moderate, and rare consumption of dietary factor F1 didn't reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Neither dietary habits nor PPAR genetic polymorphisms were associated with symptom severity in MDD; however, their interaction significantly influenced AAO.
Keywords
age of onset; depressive disorder, major; diet; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors; polymorphism, genetic
Hrčak ID:
349321
URI
Publication date:
1.9.2026.
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