Elevated Triglyceride Levels and Increased Psychiatric Symptoms in Individuals With Major Depressive Disorder Sandra S. Meirelles, Camila O. Arent, Lucas C. Pedro, Laísa N. dos Santos, Flávia S. Niero, et al. Lipids, 2026 Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widely prevalent and rising global condition whose pathophysiology is not yet completely understood. Recent studies have shown that lipid changes are crucial in the manifestation and progression of MDD. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile and psychosocial aspects of MDD. Individuals with MDD and controls (non‐MDD) were selected. The diagnosis of MDD was made using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI‐Plus). Functionality analysis used the Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST) scale. The severity of depressive and anxious symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales (HAM‐D and HAM‐A). Biological rhythms were evaluated using the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN). Stress levels were assessed using the stress symptoms inventory. Lipid profiles were evaluated in plasma. One hundred sixty individuals were included: 31 individuals with a diagnosis of MDD and 129 non‐MDD. Individuals with MDD showed more significant functional impairment, greater severity of depressive and anxious symptoms, and higher levels of stress, in addition to greater impairment in biological rhythm when compared to controls. Individuals with MDD had higher triglyceride levels (TG). Total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were not significantly different between individuals with MDD and controls. In conclusion, individuals with MDD present functional impairments, psychosocial changes, and changes in the lipid profile. Longitudinal studies are recommended to assess the long‐term effects of these changes and to investigate how the lipid profile influences brain function.
Frequency and method of seeking for information about COVID-19 and its relationship with psychological symptoms and stress levels LUCAS C. PEDRO, JESSICA L. FERNANDES, CAMILA O. ARENT, JOSEANE NAZÁRIO, RITELE H. SILVA, et al. Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias, 2025 Elevated search for information could increase rumors and misinformation, which significantly impacted the daily lives and mental health of individuals. We tested the association between the frequency and methods of communication used and psychological symptoms. Cross-sectional study that included individuals with COVID-19 and individuals without the disease. Participants completed a questionnaire about the frequency with which were informed about COVID-19. The severity of depressive and anxious symptoms, and stress levels were assessed. The sample included 350 individuals (66% female, mean age 38.09 ± 14.18 years), and 32.6% had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Most of the sample was informed about COVID-19 almost always or always and the most common method used to search for information was the internet, followed by open TV, social media, WhatsApp, cable TV, radio, and newspaper. Individuals who sought information on social media had greater severity of depressive symptoms when compared to subjects who did not seek information on the media. Individuals who sought information via WhatsApp had lower anxiety symptoms and stress levels when compared to individuals who did not seek information via WhatsApp. The search for information had a negative impact on depressive symptoms and a decrease in anxiety symptoms.
Neuroprotection induced by neurotrophic factors Gislaine Z. Réus, Luana M. Manosso, Maria Eduarda M. Botelho, Camila O. Arent, Lucas C. Pedro, et al. Natural Molecules in Neuroprotection and Neurotoxicity, 2024
ABO Blood Type and Metabolic Markers in COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study Camila O. Arent, Alex Paulo Z. Padilha, Laura A. Borba, Taiane de Azevedo Cardoso, Monique C. André, et al. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 2023 Background and Aims: To evaluate the effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus on the function and metabolic changes, as well as the relationship of the virus with blood groups. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study included a matched sample of adult individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (n = 114) or without (controls; n = 236). Blood samples were collected and processed for triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood typing analysis. The results showed that subjects with COVID-19 had higher TG and lower HDL-C levels compared with the control group. As for blood typing, the risk of COVID-19 was higher in subjects with blood group A than in those with blood group B and in those with other blood groups. In addition, an association of COVID-19 with blood type and Rh A- was observed. When related to the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, blood type A was more protective against moderate/severe symptoms compared with blood type O. In addition, individuals with blood type O were 2.90 times more likely to have symptoms moderate/severe symptoms of COVID-19 than those with other blood groups and individuals with type A blood were less likely to have severe/moderate symptoms of COVID-19 compared with individuals without type A blood. Conclusion: The results suggest that blood type may play a role in susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and add evidence that infection with the novel coronavirus may be associated with changes in lipid metabolism.
