Cognitive decline and mood disorders increase in frequency with age. Many efforts are focused on the identification of molecules and pathways to treat these conditions. Here, we demonstrate that systemic administration of growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) in aged mice improves memory and alleviates senescence and depression-like symptoms in a neurogenesis-independent manner. Mechanistically, GDF11 acts directly on hippocampal neurons to enhance neuronal activity via stimulation of autophagy. Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses of these neurons reveal that GDF11 reduces the activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a master regulator of autophagy. Using a murine model of corticosterone-induced depression-like phenotype, we also show that GDF11 attenuates the depressive-like behavior of young mice. Analysis of sera from young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) reveals reduced GDF11 levels. These findings identify mechanistic pathways related to GDF11 action in the brain and uncover an unknown role for GDF11 as an antidepressant candidate and biomarker.

Resumo Avaliar a satisfação profissional e a sobrecarga de trabalho dos enfermeiros atuantes em serviços de saúde mental e realizar uma comparação em relação aos demais profissionais do serviço. Estudo transversal, com amostragem por critério de conveniência, realizado em 2016 com 61 profissionais da área de saúde mental dos Centros de atenção psicossocial de um município localizado no extremo sul do Brasil. Para coleta de dados foi aplicado um questionário sociodemográfico e as Escalas de avaliação do impacto do trabalho (Impacto-Br) e de satisfação da equipe (Satis-Br). A análise dos dados foi realizada através do programa SPSS 21.0.O nível de sobrecarga global dos enfermeiros foi de 2,92 ± 0,42 e de satisfação global de 3,38 ± 0,51. Quando avaliado os escores na escala Satis-Br, houve uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa nos níveis de satisfação dos enfermeiros (3,36 ± 0,77) em relação aos demais profissionais atuantes no serviço (3,78 ± 0,56) no escore qualidade dos serviços oferecido (p = 0,04). O fator que promoveu maior nível de sobrecarga de trabalho entre os enfermeiros estão relacionados ao sentimento de se sentir fisicamente cansado (2,99 ± 0,92). Já o fator que promoveu maior satisfação profissional está relacionado ao bom relacionamento com a equipe (4,06 ± 0,65).

Schizophrenia and common mental disorders are noteworthy social and economic concern worldwide. Epidemiologic studies on the impact of specific mental disorders in emerging countries are scarce. Objectives: We aimed to characterize the demographic, social, and economic burden of schizophrenia and common mental disorders patients in the health system in Brazil. Methods: Data on these conditions in Brazil between 2008 and 2019 were collected through the website of the Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System - DATASUS) maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Mean annual hospital admissions were 154,009.67, and cumulative incidence of 77.44 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants. Results: Average annual hospital expenses were US$ 67,216,056.04, with an average admission cost of US$ 432.58. The most affected age groups were older adults albeit younger individuals showed a trend towards increase of occurrences in recent years. There were a higher number of admissions in men compared to women. Conclusions: We consider the results obtained important to assist in evaluating and guiding public policies regarding the prevention and treatment in health systems.