Association of saliva 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels and a later depressive state in older subjects living in a rural community: 3-year follow-up study

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the association of saliva levels of 3-methoxy-4hydroxyphenylglycol (sMHPG) with a later depressive state in older people living in a rural community. Methods: Baseline sMHPG levels were measured in 214 older subjects followed by completion of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) from 2004 to 2006 (time A). The same cohort underwent BDI again from 2007 to 2009 (time B). Results: One hundred forty-four subjects (44 men, 100 women) were reassessed by the BDI. Baseline sMHPG levels in men with a BDI score of = 9 at time A and a BDI score of = 10 at time B were significantly higher than those in men with a BDI score of = 9 at times A and B. In men, there was a significant correlation between baseline sMHPG levels and BDI score at time B (r = 0.40, p = 0.007) but not at time A (r = 0.29, p = 0.06). This association was not significant in women. Conclusion: These data indicate that high sMHPG levels at time A could be associated with a later depressive state in older men living in a community. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.