The Changes Of Serum Levels Of Interleukin-12 And Interferon-γ In Patients With Depression Before And After Treatment

Background:The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum concentrations of IL-12 and IFN-γin patients with depression at admission and after antidepressive treatment in order to explore the role IL-12 and IFN-γin the pathophysiology or pathogenesis of depression.Methods:Blood samples of depression patients for IL-12 and IFN-γlevels were obtained at baseline and at week 3 of treatment.Blood samples of control group for IL-12 and IFN-γlevels were obtained at once time. Their concentrations were evaluated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.All patients were treated with Paroxetine or citalopram.Results:At admission,IL-12 and IFN-γwere significantly higher.After treatment,IL-12 were significantly lower than before treatment,whereas IFN-γwere no difference.The serum levels of IL-12 was positively correlated with the serum levels of IFN-γ.Conclusions:These findings may indicate that depression is accompanied by imbalance of the serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ,and they may be involved in the pathogenesis of depression.Paroxetine and citalopram may have suppression immunity.