Maprotiline induced weight gain in depressive disorder: Changes in circulating ghrelin and adiponectin levels and insulin sensitivity

Agents such as clozapine, olanzapine and mirtazapine frequently trigger an increase in body weight. Though the mechanisms have not been thoroughly clarified, recent studies indicate a role for ghrelin in regulation of appetite and weight gain. We investigated the relation of maprotiline induced weight gain to serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels, as well as insulin resistance in lean subjects with depressive disorder. A total of 40 male lean subjects with depressive disorder were treated with maprotiline (150 mg/day) for 30-days. Clinical data, fasting plasma glucose, lipids, insulin levels, serum ghrelin and adiponectin concentrations were determined before and after treatment. Insulin resistance was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) formula. After 30 days of treatment with maprotiline, mean body mass index increased significantly. Blood ghrelin and insulin levels and HOMA indexes increased, and adiponectin concentration decreased (p < 0.001, for all) after the treatment period. Changes in ghrelin levels correlated neither of the parameters tested; whereas decrease in plasma adiponectin was associated with an increase in BMI (r = − 0.671, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results indicate that treatment of lean patients with depressive disorder with maprotiline results in an increase in serum ghrelin and reduction in adiponectin levels. Weight gain due to maprotiline treatment may be related to its negative effects on the metabolic variables.