Higher levels of serum IL-1β and TNF-α are associated with an increased probability of major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating psychiatric disease. The dysregulated cytokines in depression are assumed due to the hyperactivation of the immune system. Here we aimed to evaluate the serum interleukin1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in MDD. This study recruited 87 MDD patients and 87 age and sex matched healthy controls (HCs). The increased levels of serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha were observed among MDD patients. These higher levels of peripheral markers were positively correlated with the severity of depression. Therefore, the elevated levels of serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha might be used as risk assessment indicators for depression.

Automated summary

The study found that serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels are increased in MDD patients and are positively correlated with the severity of depression. Elevated levels of serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha could potentially be used as risk assessment indicators for depression.