Clinical, Metabolic and Inflammatory Indicators of Esketamine Efficacy for Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Episodes

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and debilitating condition. When it becomes difficult to treat, it poses a significant challenge. Individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) often experience severe symptoms and elevated suicide risk. Metabolic and inflammatory abnormalities may contribute to inadequate response to treatments. Esketamine has demonstrated promise in TRD, but its biological effects and predictors of response remain poorly understood. This study examined clinical outcomes and metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in individuals with TRD receiving esketamine. Participants underwent four weeks of twice-weekly intranasal esketamine, completed rater-administered and self-reported measures, and provided blood samples for biomarker analysis. Esketamine was associated with reductions in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Higher fasting glucose pre-treatment predicted greater reductions in suicidal ideation. Decreases in fasting glucose and systolic blood pressure were observed post-treatment. These findings support the therapeutic effects of esketamine and emphasize the need for further investigation into its broader biological impacts.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Neuroscience

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Olaoluwa, Ifeoluwa Favour

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2025 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, distribution to students, research and scholarship. Theses may only be shared by linking to the Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be copied without proper attribution to the author; no part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2025-16871

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/44898