TY - JOUR
T1 - Interferon-alpha-induced depressive symptoms are related to changes in the cytokine network but not to cortisol
AU - Wichers, M.C.
AU - Kenis, G.
AU - Koek, G.H.
AU - Robaeys, G.
AU - Nicolson, N.A.
AU - Maes, M.
PY - 2007/1/1
Y1 - 2007/1/1
N2 - OBJECTIVE: Proinflammatory cytokines have the potential to activate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, and HPA axis hyperactivity is also encountered in depression. Therefore, the induction of depressive symptoms by interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) may be mediated by changes in the cytokine network and the HPA axis. METHODS: In 17 hepatitis C patients undergoing IFN-alpha treatment, depressive symptoms were measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). In addition, serum cytokine concentrations were measured. Saliva was collected five times over the course of a day in order to assess daily average cortisol (DAC) and awakening response. Assessments were carried out at baseline and six later time points after starting treatment. RESULTS: During treatment, the increases in the MADRS were significantly and positively correlated with soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-6. There were no significant associations between the DAC or cortisol awakening response with the MADRS score. CONCLUSION: Results suggest a clear connection between IFN-alpha-induced depressive symptoms and cytokine concentrations, but not cortisol.
AB - OBJECTIVE: Proinflammatory cytokines have the potential to activate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, and HPA axis hyperactivity is also encountered in depression. Therefore, the induction of depressive symptoms by interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) may be mediated by changes in the cytokine network and the HPA axis. METHODS: In 17 hepatitis C patients undergoing IFN-alpha treatment, depressive symptoms were measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). In addition, serum cytokine concentrations were measured. Saliva was collected five times over the course of a day in order to assess daily average cortisol (DAC) and awakening response. Assessments were carried out at baseline and six later time points after starting treatment. RESULTS: During treatment, the increases in the MADRS were significantly and positively correlated with soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-6. There were no significant associations between the DAC or cortisol awakening response with the MADRS score. CONCLUSION: Results suggest a clear connection between IFN-alpha-induced depressive symptoms and cytokine concentrations, but not cortisol.
U2 - 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.09.007
DO - 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2006.09.007
M3 - Article
C2 - 17270579
SN - 0022-3999
VL - 62
SP - 207
EP - 214
JO - Journal of Psychosomatic Research
JF - Journal of Psychosomatic Research
IS - 2
ER -