Identification of decreased taurine concentration in the hippocampus of young depressed women at 7T human MRI

Research Summary

Depression is a disease that reduces an individual’s quality of life and causes serious social and economic losses. It is known that women are twice as likely as men to have depression. Taurine, a type of amino acid, plays critical roles in neuronal generation, differentiation, arborization, and formation of synaptic connections. Importantly, it enhances proliferation and synaptogenesis in the hippocampus.

This study used the ultra-high magnetic field 7T human MRI to non-invasively measure and compare seven brain metabolites, including taurine, in the frontal, occipital, and hippocampus region of 84 young women. For the first time, it was confirmed that the concentration of taurine in the hippocampus of depressed women was reduced by about 20% compared to healthy controls. These results suggest that reduced taurine concentration in the hippocampus may be a new characteristic of depression.

Expected Outcomes

This study will promote research on the role of taurine in the hippocampus and its relationship with depression, and contribute to the pathogenesis research and diagnosis development of depression.

Related Figures

• [Figure 1] (A) Brain regions where spectra were measured (yellow box) (B) ¹H MR spectrum in the hippocampus.
• [Figure 2] Taurine concentrations in the hippocampus, frontal cortex (anterior cingulate cortex, ACC) and occipital cortex (OCC) (red: depression patient group, blue: healthy control group).