Researchers from US institutions such as the University of Illinois and the University of Utah have discovered a biomarker in human platelets that can be used to identify depression by blood tests, write some specialized news websites.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

The researchers looked at previous research done in animals and humans, which revealed that when we are clinically depressed, there is a reduction in adenylyl cyclase - a molecule produced by neurotransmitters such as serotonin and adrenaline, which are responsible for regulating mood.

In depressed conditions, the production of this molecule goes down, because the Gs alpha protein, which allows neurotransmitters to manufacture adenylyl cyclase, is retained by a cholesterol-abundant matrix in the cell membrane. In other words, as if 'boating' in a 'river' of fat.

According to Galileo magazine, the study identifies in human platelets the biomarker for this translocation journey of alpha Gs in the 'boats. The academics hope to use blood tests to show whether or not the protein is in the alpha Gs. So that the tests can indicate whether the antidepressants are really working about a week after the start of treatment.

Previous research showed that patients who showed improvement in depression had Gs alpha off the 'lipid boats'. However, those who were being treated with antidepressants but continued to have symptoms, the protein was still stuck in that pathway.

"Since platelets run out in a week, you would see a change in people who would get better," Mark Rasenick, leader of the study, said in a statement.

"We would be able to see the biomarker that should presage successful treatment," he added.

Currently, it takes several weeks, sometimes months, to know if antidepressants are working properly.

The study was published on the first day of 2022 in the scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry.