Median plasma Nesfatin-1 levels in the severe depression group (n = 30), mild-to-moderate depression group (n = 31), and control group (n = 30) were 53.4 pg/ml (28.2 pg/ml, 149.1 pg/ml), 29.9 pg/ml (14.5 pg/ml, 48.5 pg/ml) and 18.1 pg/ml (10.0 pg/ml, 25.7 pg/ml), and differed significantly among the three groups (P < 0.001). The gene discussed is NUCB2; the disease is major depressive disorder.