Association between peripheral orexin A/B levels and depression with childhood trauma

Orexin dysfunction has previously been demonstrated to be associated with depression. However, no studies reported the different effects of orexin A/B on depression with and without childhood trauma (CT). In this study，we assessed the correlation between expression of orexin A/B and depression severity in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients and healthy controls. A total of 97 MDD patients and 51 healthy controls were recruited in this study. According to the total scores of childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ), the MDD patients were further divided into two subgroups, MDD with CT and MDD without CT. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17), and plasma orexin A and orexin B concentrations were measured in all participants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Orexin B plasma levels were significantly higher in MDD patients with CT and without CT than that in the healthy control group (P 0.05). Although peripheral orexin B levels are associated with the depression, rather than orexin A, CT appear to play a role in the association between orexin B levels and depression. China Clinical Trial Registration Center (Registration No.: ChiCTR2000039692). •Orexin dysfunction is associated with MDD.•The peripheral orexin B levels are higher in patients with MDD than that in healthy, but not orexin A.•The childhood trauma plays a significant role in the correlation between increased orexin B levels and MDD.