Effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v Supplementation on Major Depression Treatment

For period of 8 weeks patient will receive probiotic Lactobacillus Plantarum 299V or its placebo as a supplementation of regular depression treatment with SSRI (Escitalopram or Sertraline). Psychometric and biochemical parameters will be monitored and evaluated. At day one, after 3 weeks (day 21) and after 8 weeks (day 56) of the study psychometric parameters will be measured such as Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, PSS-10 Scale, SCL-90 scale. At day one and after 8 weeks (day 56) of the study cognitive functions will be measured using: CVLT- California Verbal Learning Test, RFFT Ruff Figural Fluency Test, Stroop Test, Connecting Points Test (A and B), Attention and Perceptivity Test. At day one and after 8 weeks (day 56) of the study biochemical parameters will be measured such as: morning cortisol, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, tryptophan and its kynurenic pathway metabolites concentrations.

Inclusion criteria

• Unipolar depression, with at least one depressive episode, present episode since at least 2 weeks, with Hamilton Depression Scale scoring 18 and higher with BMI =18,9 - 29,9 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• Inflammatory diseases eg. rheumatoid diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, autoimmunological diseases
• Metabolic diseases e.g. diabetes type I,II, obesity (Body Mass Index)>30 kg/m2
• Previously diagnosed other psychiatric diseases other than depression, psychoactive substances abuse, organic brain dysfunctions
• Smokers
• Patients after surgeries in last 3 months
• Oncological patients
• Patients during pregnancy or lactation
• Drugs which might influence measured parameters (e.g. lithium, antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids, antipsychotic drugs)
• Changes in routine blood biochemical parameters: morphology, electrolytes, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, urea, C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).