Abstract

Objectives: Raised lipoprotein (a) concentration is known as a probable cause of development of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the present study was carried out to measure lipoprotein (a) in individuals with major depressive disorder and to compare them with normal individuals. Method: In this case-control study, plasma levels of lipoprotein (a) and the lipid profile was measured in 35 patients with major depressive disorder and 35 normal individuals (control group) using standard methods. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and student’s t-test. Results: Total Cholesterol and LDL-c was significantly lower in patients (144.65± 3.74 vs. 186.14±5.82, and 72.78±3.00 vs. 110.21±5.27 mg/dl, p=0.001). The mean of lipoprotein (a) in patients with major depressive disorder was 74% higher than healthy controls (34.94±3.04 vs. 20.08±1.90 (mg/dl), p=0.001). Conclusion: The increase of lipoprotein (a) may contribute to higher risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with major depressive disorder.