High rates of depression and anxiety have been reported among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The bidirectional relationship between these two conditions, with each affecting the progression of the other, leads to a reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to identify a miRNA-based pattern that may either be unique to IBD or associated with this complex phenotype. The levels of 179 miRNAs were assessed using qRT-PCR in the plasma of individuals primarily diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder (SAD), IBD patients (IBD), IBD patients showing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (IBD + SAD), and a control group. Four miRNAs were found to be specifically associated with IBD and more than 20 miRNAs with SAD. Notably, the levels of five miRNAs (miR-223-3p, miR-1260a, miR-320d, miR-423-5p, and miR-486-5p) differed in all the comparisons. miR-342-3p and miR-125a-5p were identified as possible biomarkers able to discriminate between IBD and IBD + SAD. The identification of this pattern of miRNA specific to IBD + SAD could be useful for monitoring disease activity and progression in IBD patients struggling with psychiatric symptoms, which can negatively impact adherence to follow-up care.

Objectives. This systematic review examined associations between socioeconomic determinants and mental disorders among migrants in Eastern Europe. The objective was to identify how such factors influence mental health and inform future research and policy. Materials and methods. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, PsycNet, and two grey literature sources were searched for studies in English published in the past 10 years. Eligible studies statistically evaluated associations between socioeconomic factors (education, employment, income, legal status, discrimination, housing, and healthcare access) and mental disorders in adult migrants in Eastern Europe. Only quantitative observational studies were included. Quality was appraised using the CASP checklist, and data were narratively synthesized using SWiM recommendations. Outcomes. Thirteen studies (n = 5,970) from Turkey, Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic met the inclusion criteria. Female sex, unstable legal status, income, and discrimination were the most consistent determinants associated with mental disorders. Depression and anxiety were the most frequently studied disorders. Conclusions. Some socioeconomic factors are consistently associated with migrants’ mental disorders, whereas social resources may mitigate their impact. Longitudinal research is required to establish causality and guide interventions and policies promoting migrant mental health.