We hypothesized that 1) BDNF and NCAM levels were decreased, and that VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels were increased in patients with AUD (with and without co-morbid depression); and 2) that BDNF and NCAM levels were decreased, and VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels were increased in patients with AUD with depression co-morbidity as compared to AUD only. This evidence concerns the gene VCAM1 and major depressive disorder.