Chen S, et al. - A simple and efficient diagnostic model using serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol and interferon (INF)-gamma was established and was suggested as valuable in the diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD).

• Thirty MDD patients and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were assessed for baseline serum levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, INF-gamma, cortisol, and BDNF.

• In addition, participants were assessed for symptoms both at baseline and 2 weeks after antidepressant treatment.

• There was a negative correlation of baseline retardation and psychological anxiety with early symptom improvement.

• The model achieved an AUC of 0.884, with 86.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity.