AMRA Medical, in collaboration with the University of Oslo, has published a study examining the effects of antidepressants (ADs), particularly serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), on muscle health and cardiometabolic risk. Conducted as part of the CoMorMent project, a Horizon 2020-funded initiative, this research addresses the growing global usage of antidepressants and the need for better understanding of their impact on overall health, especially concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic issues.
The study analyzed data from 1,224 SSRI users and 568 TCA users from the UK Biobank, focusing on changes in fat distribution and muscle composition due to AD use, and the associated risks for CVD and Type II Diabetes (T2D). Findings revealed that SSRI users had higher visceral fat, smaller muscle volume, and increased muscle fat infiltration compared to matched controls. Notably, female users showed a more significant increase in BMI over time, while male users exhibited a poorer body composition profile and a heightened risk of CVD. TCA users also had adverse muscle composition results, with both genders facing an elevated risk of developing T2D.
AMRA Medical utilizes unique muscle volume and fat z-scores, which provide insights into treatment effects by highlighting deviations from expected muscle composition and fat distribution—information often missed with traditional metrics like weight and BMI. This z-score methodology has previously shown promise in understanding the specific impacts of pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases.
The study highlights the importance of personalized z-score biomarkers in evaluating treatment responses to widely used ADs, suggesting that body fat distribution and muscle composition should be prioritized in the development of new AD therapies. AMRA aims for these findings to serve as a foundation for future research that enhances mental and cardiometabolic health among AD users, ultimately improving their quality of life.
AMRA is dedicated to applying its z-score methodology across metabolic and neuromuscular diseases, including the study of neuropsychiatric drugs with metabolic implications. This approach allows researchers to enrich clinical trials with robust endpoints, leading to more comprehensive insights and advancements in treatment pipelines.
For more information on AMRA’s research solutions, visit our website or contact our scientists at [email protected]. The full study, selected as “Editor’s Choice” in Obesity, can be accessed here, along with an accompanying commentary. AMRA will also present this research at Obesity Week 2024 in San Antonio, Texas, next month.
About AMRA Medical
AMRA Medical is a pioneering health informatics and precision medicine company specializing in body composition analysis. Their advanced technology provides comprehensive fat and muscle biomarkers derived from rapid whole-body MRI scans. AMRA is committed to transforming care and facilitating informed decision-making in both research and clinical settings through their innovative platform.
