Increased Serum Cu/Zn SOD in Individuals with Clinical Depression Normalizes After Zinc and Anti-oxidant Therapy

Aim: To assess serum Cu/Zn SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) concentration in individuals with clinical depression. Subjects and methods: Serum from 36 individuals diagnosed with clinical depression and 18 healthy controls were tested for Cu/Zn SOD serum concentration using ELISAs. Results: Serum Cu/Zn SOD levels of depressed individuals (both with and without secondary anxiety) were significantly higher than age and gender similar controls. We also found that, post anti-oxidant therapy, Cu/Zn SOD levels normalized to the level of normal healthy controls. Discussion: These results suggest an association between Cu/Zn SOD serum levels and clinical depression.