Changes in the Serum Levels of Cytokines: IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-10 in Depression with and without Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Background: Both depressive disorders (DD) and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) are caused by immune system dysfunction. Affected individuals show increased proinflammatory cytokine concentration levels. Also, it has been hypothesized that DD and PTSD might be associated with a generalized proinflammatory cytokine signature. The study assessed the concentration of IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-10 in depression alone and with PTSD. Methods: The study involved 460 participants. Out of them, 420 subjects comprised a study group and 40 subjects comprised a control group. Each study group consisted of 60 patients with mild depression (MD), moderate depression (MOD), severe depression (SeD), MD and PTSD (MD + PTSD), MOD and PTSD (MOD + PTSD), SeD and PTSD (SeD + PTSD), and with PTSD alone. All patients had serum concentration of IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-10 measured with ELISA. Results: DD and PTSD are reflected in IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-10 concentration levels. It was reported that mean levels of IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-8 increase as depression became more severe. A regular decrease in IL-10 concentration levels was noted with the onset and exacerbation of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The findings might be useful when considering chronic inflammation as a potential target or biomarker in depression and PTSD treatment.

Automated summary

This study found an association between depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders with IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-8, and IL-10 concentration levels. The levels of IL-1 beta, IL-4, and IL-8 increased with the severity of depression, while IL-10 levels decreased. These findings suggest that chronic inflammation may be a potential target or biomarker in the treatment of depression and PTSD.