Lower Degree of Esterification of Serum Cholesterol in Depression: Relevance for Depression and Suicide Research

This article reports on serum concentrations of total & free cholesterol & the esterified cholesterol ratio in 85 subjects. Depressed subjects & relatives of melancholic subjects had a significantly lower esterified cholesterol ratio than controls. No significant differences in total or free cholesterol concentrations were found between the study groups. Lower esterification in serum cholesterol may constitute a vulnerability factor for depression through cell membrane microviscosity. (54 Refs.)