Effect of milnacipran on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients of major depressive disorder

Emerging hypotheses in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) suggest important role of neurotrophic factors and oxidative stress. This study assessed the effect of milnacipran (a dual serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and oxidative stress biomarkers i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) in patients of MDD. Thirty patients (aged 18 to 60 years) with MDD diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria, with Hamilton Depression Rating scale (HAM-D) score >= 14 were included in the study. Patients were given milnacipran in the doses of 50-100 mg once daily. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks. HAM-D score at the start of treatment was 17.8 +/- 1.7 which significantly reduced to 8.9 +/- 3.1 at 12 weeks of treatment. In responders, the plasma BDNF levels increased significantly at 12 weeks post treatment. There was no significant change in the pre- and post-treatment values of oxidative stress parameters (MDA, GST and GR) after 12 week treatment. Milnacipran is effective and well tolerated in MDD patients, and its therapeutic response is associated with an increase in plasma BDNF levels. However, milnacipran did not affect oxidative stress biomarkers.