Adjustment curves of the linear regression analysis showing the direct correlation of HAM-A and HAM-D scores with gene expression in the combined sample (depressed plus controls): HAM-D with p16^INKa (F = 8.7, R² = 0.27, p = 0.002), HAM-A with p16^INKa (F = 21.3, R² = 0.43, p = 0.000), HAM-D with STMN1 (F = 15.7, R² = 0.38, p = 0.001), HAM-A with STMN1 (F = 22.8, R² = 0.44, p = 0.000), HAM-D with TERT (F = 4.9, R² = 0.17, p = 0.03), HAM-A with TERT (F = 9.2, R² = 0.23, p = 0.005).

<p>Adjustment curves of the linear regression analysis showing the direct correlation of HAM-A and HAM-D scores with gene expression in the combined sample (depressed plus controls): HAM-D with p16^INKa (F = 8.7, R² = 0.27, p = 0.002), HAM-A with p16^INKa (F = 21.3, R² = 0.43, p = 0.000), HAM-D with STMN1 (F = 15.7, R² = 0.38, p = 0.001), HAM-A with STMN1 (F = 22.8, R² = 0.44, p = 0.000), HAM-D with TERT (F = 4.9, R² = 0.17, p = 0.03), HAM-A with TERT (F = 9.2, R² = 0.23, p = 0.005).</p

The mean and standard deviation (inter-individual variability) of the Ct values in the depressed and control group. The I-WV value is the mean of the inter-well Ct variation (triplicate runs).

<p>The mean and standard deviation (inter-individual variability) of the Ct values in the depressed and control group. The I-WV value is the mean of the inter-well Ct variation (triplicate runs).</p

Correlative pattern of gene expression (Pearson's coefficient) in the blood leucocytes of controls and MDD subjects. For each gene the |r| value of control subjects (when significant) is in normal font weight on the upper row, and the |r| of the depressed patients in bold font weight on the lower row.

<p>Correlative pattern of gene expression (Pearson's coefficient) in the blood leucocytes of controls and MDD subjects. For each gene the |r| value of control subjects (when significant) is in normal font weight on the upper row, and the |r| of the depressed patients in bold font weight on the lower row.</p

Sequences and localization on the CDS reference sequence (NCBI) of the forward (F) and reverse (R) primers used in the Q-PCR technique.

<p>Sequences and localization on the CDS reference sequence (NCBI) of the forward (F) and reverse (R) primers used in the Q-PCR technique.</p

Characteristics of the Depressed and Control Subjects.

<p>Characteristics of the Depressed and Control Subjects.</p

Adjustment curves of the linear regression analysis showing the direct correlation between the expression level of p16^INK4 (F = 15.68, R² = 0.51, p = 0.001) and STMN1 (F = 12.54, R² = 0.45, p = 0.003) and the anxiety scores (HAM-A scale).

<p>Adjustment curves of the linear regression analysis showing the direct correlation between the expression level of p16^INK4 (F = 15.68, R² = 0.51, p = 0.001) and STMN1 (F = 12.54, R² = 0.45, p = 0.003) and the anxiety scores (HAM-A scale).</p