Research paperNeuron-specific enolase levels in drug-naïve young adults with major depressive disorder

•NSE levels and severity of depressive symptoms were not associated.•NSE levels were not correlated to disease duration.•Different levels of MDD severity did not significantly influence NSE levels.•NSE levels and severity of anxiety symptoms were not associated.•NSE levels were not correlated to suicidal ideation.

The aim of this study is to assess neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels and clinical features in subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD). This is a cross-sectional study with drug-naïve young adults with MDD (aged 18-29 years). Serum levels of NSE were assessed using the electrochemiluminescence method. MDD diagnosis, suicidal ideation, and time of disease were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms. No relationship was observed between NSE levels and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, time of disease, and suicidal ideation. These results suggest that NSE serum levels were not associated with clinical features of MDD among drug-naïve young adults.