VEGF as a Potential Factor in the Cognitive Impairment Assessment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Case-Control Study

Background Cognitive impairment in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may have an association with the levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Methods In this case-control study, we recruited 60 patients diagnosed with depression (33 males and 27 females, with a mean age of 41.17 years) from the outpatient or inpatient unit of Suzhou Guangji Hospital. Additionally, 60 healthy controls (28 males and 32 females, with a mean age of 37.20 years) were recruited from the local community in the Suzhou Xiangcheng District. Subsequently, we measured serum VEGF levels using the VEGF ELISA Kit and assessed cognitive performance using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Results This study has received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Suzhou Guangji Hospital, adhering to ethical guidelines and involving the handling of clinical biosamples. Following adjustment for variables such as gender, age, BMI, and other potential confounding factors, it was observed that the serum VEGF levels in individuals with depression were significantly reduced compared to those in the corresponding healthy control group (F = 4.55, p = 0.04). Within the depressive patient cohort, serum VEGF levels negatively correlated with attention scores (r=-0.32, p = 0.01) and RBANS total scores (r=-0.28, p = 0.03). Conversely, no such correlations were observed in the healthy control group (attention scores: r = 0.19, p = 0.15; RBANS total scores: r=-0.03, p = 0.82). Conclusions Our research findings suggest a potential association between serum VEGF levels and the physiological pathology of MDD. This association may have a corresponding impact on the cognitive function of individuals facing MDD.