Biological Markers of Treatment Response to Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The main objective of this study is to determine whether biological stress markers (Oxidized Phosphatidylcholines and Oxylipins) in the blood can be used to predict the efficacy of rTMS in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It is our goal to identify biomarkers that may be used to determine which patients will benefit from rTMS treatment. A second objective of this study is to measure any changes in stress markers that occur across the course of rTMS therapy.

Detailed Description
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250 patients who have been prescribed repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder will be recruited for this study. Prior to undergoing rTMS, patients will give a small blood sample. An additional blood sample will be given upon completion of rTMS treatment. 60 healthy control individuals will also be recruited to provide a one-time blood sample for comparison. Control individuals will not receive rTMS treatment. Blood samples will be analysed for levels of Oxidized Phosphatidylcholines and Oxylipins. The investigators wish to determine whether there is a difference in the pre-treatment levels of stress markers between individuals who ultimately respond to rTMS and those who do not. Additionally, the investigators wish to determine whether there is a change in stress markers as a result of rTMS treatment.

Official Title
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The Role of Biological Stress Markers in Predicting Treatment Response to Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder

Conditions
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Oxidative Stress

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Patient Inclusion Criteria: Patients with a major depressive episode Not actively receiving psychotherapy Patient Exclusion Criteria: History of a psychotic episode History of neurological illness Head injury Active alcohol or substance abuse History of a seizure disorder Pregnant Control Subject Exclusion Criteria: History of depression or psychiatric illness History of a psychotic episode History of neurological illness Head injury Active alcohol or substance abuse History of a seizure disorder Pregnant

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Patients<br>Individuals undergoing Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment for major depressive disorder. | Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation<br>* A non-invasive method of brain stimulation.<br>|
| Controls<br>Healthy age-, and sex-matched control individuals. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Oxidized Phosphatidylcholines in plasma | Change in Oxidized Phosphatidylcholine levels in blood plasma pre- and post-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment for depression. | 3 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Oxidized Phosphatidylcholines, Oxylipins