Interleukin-1 family and serotonin transporter in first-episode, drug-naive major depressive disorder: A pilot study. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Kai-Chun; Liu, Mu-N; Liou, Ying-Jay; Hu, Li-Yu; Yang, Bang-Hung; Chou, Yuan-Hwa
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychiatric research. Volume 135(2021)
• Page Start: 174
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Major depressive disorder -- Serotonin transporter -- Cytokines -- 123I-ADAM -- Interleukin-1 family; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; Maladies mentales -- Périodiques; Psychiatry; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.01.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3956

Abstract

Abstract: Abnormalities of neuroinflammatory process and serotonergic system have been reported in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, most previous studies were performed in recurrent MDD and only a few studies explored the interaction of the two systems. This study examined both systems concurrently and their clinical relevance in first-episode drug-naive MDD. Thirty-four MDD patients and 34 age and gender matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Plasma concentrations of the cytokines of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and IL-1 receptor type 2 (IL-1R2) were measured using enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assays. The serotonin transporter (SERT) availability in midbrain, thalamus, caudate, and putamen was examined by single-photon emission computed tomography with 123 I-ADAM. There were significantly lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory IL-1β and its inhibitor, IL-1R2 in MDD than HC. The SERT availability was at the same level between groups. A negative association between IL-1Ra concentration and the SERT availability in midbrain was observed in MDD but not in HC. Both IL-1β concentration and the SERT availability in caudate negatively correlated with depression severity and the effect of IL-1β was not moderated or mediated by the SERT. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the involvement of IL-1 family in the early stage of MDD, especially for IL-1β. SERT was not the main central target of altered IL-1β and these two systems might contribute to MDD by different mechanisms. The pathophysiology might be varied between early and recurrent MDD and tuning treatment strategies at different clinical stages might be needed. Highlights: Decreased interleukin-1β concentration in early major depressive disorder (MDD). Decreased interleukin-1 receptor type 2 (IL-1R2) concentration in early MDD. No alterations in serotonin transporter (SERT) availability in early MDD. Both interleukin-1β and SERT associated with depression severity in early MDD. The effect of interleukin-1β not moderated or mediated by SERT.