Y-chromosome in the olfactory neuroepithelium as a potential biomarker of depression in women with male offspring: an exploratory study

The persistence of fetal cells in the mother (fetal microchimerism (FMc)) has been described in maternal tissues essential to the newborn. FMc is associated with several diseases that start or worsen in pregnancy or postpartum. This exploratory study reports-for the first time-the presence of FMc in the olfactory neuroepithelium (ON) of both healthy and depressed women with male offspring. However, depressed women had fewer microchimeric cells (digital PCR). The existence of FMc in the ON could facilitate mother-child bonding. These findings open new pathways to study FMc in the ON, female depression, and mother-child bonding.

Automated summary

This exploratory study reports the presence of fetal microchimerism (FMc) in the olfactory neuroepithelium (ON) of both healthy and depressed women with male offspring, with depressed women having fewer microchimeric cells. These findings open new pathways to study FMc in the ON, female depression, and mother-child bonding.