Comparing the Effects of Aerobic & Resistance Exercises and Vitamins D & E on Oxidative Stress & Inflammatory Markers Among Patients with Depression
TNF; IL-6
Effects of Exercises and Vitamins on Oxidative Stress & Inflammatory Markers Among Patients with Depression
1 other identifier
interventional
116
1 country
1
Brief Summary
Depression has been ranked as the fourth leading contributor to disability globally. As per data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression affects approximately 3.8% of the global population, constituting approximately 280 million individuals worldwide, with an annual suicide-related mortality of 700,000 people GHDx 2023). Women are 50% more affected with depression as compared to men. Approximately 27.4% have experienced symptoms associated with anxiety and depression in Pakistan. The increasing prevalence and yearly occurrence influenced by the COVID-19 have compelled us to reevaluate the significance of mental well-being. Furthermore, based on the latest data, there has been an increase of 53.2 million cases of depressive disorder worldwide, indicating a growth of 27.6% throughout this pandemic. The prevalence of depression is uniform in both developed and economically challenged nations, independent of cultural background, origin, or ethnicity. Depression has various forms which include major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (manic depression), persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In the present time, MDD is the leading cause of global disability, contributing to 7.5% of years lived with a disability. (YLD) worldwide, with an estimated annual cost surpassing $US 1 trillion. The primary etiology of MDD is disturbances in neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine regulation, accompanied by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. In addition to these factors, increasing attention has been directed towards understanding the pathophysiology of MDD through the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation. Essential enzymatic antioxidants, particularly Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), play a crucial role in moderating oxidative stress. Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's capacity to counteract them. Studies indicate a tendency for reduced GPx and SOD activity in individuals with MDD, leading to heightened oxidative stress. Furthermore, the involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), in the inflammatory processes associated with depression is noteworthy. Persistent inflammation is associated with the activation of the kynurenine pathway, triggering the production of neurotoxic metabolites that may contribute to observed neurobiological changes in MDD. Elevated levels of TNF and IL-6, key immune response mediators, are observed in individuals with depression. These cytokines influence neurotransmitter metabolism, disrupt the blood-brain barrier, and activate microglia, spreading neuro-inflammation. The bidirectional interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation establishes a cyclically reinforcing paradigm, amplifying the neurobiological substrates of depression.. Moreover, deficiencies in various vitamins and minerals are significantly associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), including vitamin D and E. Vitamin D and its metabolite calcitriol may act as a defense mechanism for the brain, guarding against the depletion of dopamine and serotonin whereas vitamin E has an antidepressant-like effect. The management of major depressive disorder encompasses diverse treatment approaches, comprising pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, interventional, and lifestyle modifications, such as incorporating exercise and dietary changes. While the current antidepressants are more effective than placebos in adults with MDD, limitations of antidepressant treatment include a prolonged therapeutic time lag required for the clinical betterment of depressive symptoms and various side effects linked to their usage. These side effects frequently lead to treatment discontinuation by patients. Consequently, adjunctive treatments may play a crucial role in managing this disorder, particularly in cases of treatment resistance. Engaging in regular exercise exerts a beneficial impact on symptoms commonly associated with depression. The consistent practice of physical activity positively influences various physiological aspects, encompassing neurotransmitter levels, neurotrophic factors, hormonal balance, immune modulation, sleep quality, and cognitive functions. This comprehensive influence collectively provides substantial evidence for the therapeutic effectiveness of exercise in alleviating depressive symptoms. Hence, the objective of the current study is to investigate the outcomes of aerobic and resistance exercises in conjunction with vitamin supplementation on individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable
Started Sep 2024
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
September 2, 2024
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
January 9, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
January 15, 2025
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
August 5, 2025
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
August 5, 2025
CompletedJanuary 15, 2025
January 1, 2025
11 months
January 9, 2025
January 9, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (6)
Glutathione Peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase
Oxidative stress will be assessed in each group using a colorimetric method and commercially available kits. This method involves measuring the optical density at 560 nm of the blue formazan dye produced during the interaction of nitro blue tetrazolium with superoxide radicals generated through the use of xanthine and xanthine oxidase. The Superoxide Dismutase present in the sample works to neutralize the superoxide radicals in the medium, thereby inhibiting the formazan reaction. Specifically, one unit of SOD reduces the nitro blue tetrazolium at a rate of 50% under the specified assay conditions
Baseline
Glutathione Peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase
Oxidative stress will be assessed in each group using a colorimetric method and commercially available kits. This method involves measuring the optical density at 560 nm of the blue formazan dye produced during the interaction of nitro blue tetrazolium with superoxide radicals generated through the use of xanthine and xanthine oxidase. The Superoxide Dismutase present in the sample works to neutralize the superoxide radicals in the medium, thereby inhibiting the formazan reaction. Specifically, one unit of SOD reduces the nitro blue tetrazolium at a rate of 50% under the specified assay conditions
12 weeks
Inflammatory Markers
TNF and IL-6 will be assessed using commercially available ELISA kits. The procedures for preparing reagents, standards, and serum samples, as well as the overall assay process, will be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for each respective ELISA kit. Each ELISA kit plate consisted of 116 microtiter wells, all of which will be coated with antibodies targeting a specific antigenic site of the respective cytokine molecule. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF will be reported in units of pg/mL and mg/L, respectively
Baseline
Inflammatory Markers
TNF and IL-6 will be assessed using commercially available ELISA kits. The procedures for preparing reagents, standards, and serum samples, as well as the overall assay process, will be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for each respective ELISA kit. Each ELISA kit plate consisted of 116 microtiter wells, all of which will be coated with antibodies targeting a specific antigenic site of the respective cytokine molecule. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF will be reported in units of pg/mL and mg/L, respectively
12 weeks
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
PHQ- 9 is a subjective score for assessing depression severity level. It has 9 questions with a maximum score of 27.
Baseline
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
PHQ- 9 is a subjective score for assessing depression severity level. It has 9 questions with a maximum score of 27.
12 weeks
Study Arms (4)
Group A
EXPERIMENTALAerobic Exercises with Vitamin E
Group B
EXPERIMENTALResistance Exercises with Vitamin E
Group C
EXPERIMENTALAerobic Exercises with Vitamin D
Group D
EXPERIMENTALResistance Exercises with Vitamin D
Interventions
For aerobic exercise, patient will perform cycling. The patient will perform stationary bike with an intensity of 60-85% of MHR by using Karvonean formula for duration of 30 minutes for 4 days/ week. Participants will be advised by the physical therapist to sit on a cycle ergometer with back supported, hands holding the handle bar and feet firmly placed on the pedals. The imprint of FITT protcol by ACSM for aerobic exercise will be as follows, Frequency: 4 days/week Intensity: 60-85% of MHR Time: 30 minutes Type: Stationary bike
The strength training protocol will focus on 10 major muscles of the body. The sessions will be performed for 4 days per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes. The training will be divided in a systematical manner, on first- and third-day participant will perform strength training of upper limb and abdominal muscles that include: Biceps, Triceps, Pectoralis Major, Deltoid, and abdominal muscles. On second and fourth day, participant will perform strength training of lower back and lower limb muscles that include: Latissimus Dorsi, Abdominals, Back Extensors, Hamstrings, Quadriceps and Calf. The intensity of the weight bearing exercises will be calculated using 1 Repetition Maximum (RM) method. The protocol will be divided as follows: 2 days the participant will perform exercises for upper limb and 2 days, patient will perform exercises for lower limb.
For aerobic exercise, patient will perform cycling. The patient will perform stationary bike with an intensity of 60-85% of MHR by using Karvonean formula for duration of 30 minutes for 4 days/ week. Participants will be advised by the physical therapist to sit on a cycle ergometer with back supported, hands holding the handle bar and feet firmly placed on the pedals. The imprint of FITT protcol by ACSM for aerobic exercise will be as follows, Frequency: 4 days/week Intensity: 60-85% of MHR Time: 30 minutes Type: Stationary bike
The strength training protocol will focus on 10 major muscles of the body. The sessions will be performed for 4 days per week, lasting approximately 30 minutes. The training will be divided in a systematical manner, on first- and third-day participant will perform strength training of upper limb and abdominal muscles that include: Biceps, Triceps, Pectoralis Major, Deltoid, and abdominal muscles. On second and fourth day, participant will perform strength training of lower back and lower limb muscles that include: Latissimus Dorsi, Abdominals, Back Extensors, Hamstrings, Quadriceps and Calf. The intensity of the weight bearing exercises will be calculated using 1 Repetition Maximum (RM) method. The protocol will be divided as follows: 2 days the participant will perform exercises for upper limb and 2 days, patient will perform exercises for lower limb.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Diagnosed patients with mild to moderate depression, aged between 25-35 years referred by Psychiatrist with no other Psychiatric disease attending the respective unit of Creek General Hospital and Dr. Ziauddin Hospital. (Kivani M et al, 2022, Khan B et al., 2022).
- Individuals both with and without current psychoactive medication (such as antidepressants or anxiolytics) will be enrolled. (O'Sullivan et al., 2023)
- Participants willing to participate to the intervention.
You may not qualify if:
- Participants with diagnosed cardiovascular diseases,
- Participants with pregnant women,
- Participants with use of beta-blockers,
- Participants with a history of severe mental illnesses (mentally handicapped),
- Participants with hypertension, hyperparathyroidism,
- Participants with current significant substance or alcohol abuse, ongoing burn-out syndrome, and
- Participants with An elevated suicide risk determined by the Psychiatrist.
- Participants with Prisoners
- Participants with chronic diseases such as liver and renal diseases, mal-absorption syndrome, and other diseases that can affect the level of vitamin D.
- Patients with physical limitations that would prohibit the participation in following exercise protocol.
- Participants consuming dietary supplements two months prior to the intervention.
- Participation in regular exercise during the past 6 months (2 days/week).
- Non cooperative patients and refused to continue the intervention program.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Ziauddin College of Physical Therapy
Karachi, Sindh, 74500, Pakistan
Related Publications (31)
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BACKGROUND
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Erum Tanveer
Ziauddin University
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- SINGLE
- Who Masked
- PARTICIPANT
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- FACTORIAL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- PhD Scholar
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
January 9, 2025
First Posted
January 15, 2025
Study Start
September 2, 2024
Primary Completion
August 5, 2025
Study Completion
August 5, 2025
Last Updated
January 15, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-01
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share