Circulating mitochondrial long non-coding 7S RNA in primary health care patients with depression/anxiety

Background: The significant role of long non-coding 7S RNA in controlling mitochondrial transcription highlights its importance in mitochondrial function. Considering the suggested connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and the onset of mental disorders, this study aimed to explore the potential involvement of 7S RNA in the context of depression/anxiety. Results: A total of 181 patients in primary health care (age 20-64 years) with depression/anxiety and 59 healthy controls were included in the study. 7S RNA was measured using quantitative real-time PCR in plasma samples collected before (baseline) and after 8 weeks of treatment (mindfulness or cognitive-based behavioral therapy). Upon adjustment for age and sex, the baseline plasma levels of 7S RNA were significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Notably, post-treatment, there was a significant reduction in 7S RNA levels (p = 0.03). These changes in 7S RNA were related to the treatment response, as indicated by HADS-D (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) scores (ss = -0.04, p = 0.04), even after accounting for baseline scores and other cofounders. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate an association between plasma 7S RNA levels and depression/ anxiety, as well as treatment response. While further confirmatory analyses are necessary, plasma 7S RNA holds promise as a potential predictive biomarker for both depression/anxiety and the treatment response within these disorders.