Abstract
Objectives. In recent years, growing interest in neuroimmunology of affective disorders is observed. Changes in concentrations of cytokines may be a potential biomarker in mood disorders. However, despite the numerous studies in adults, there have been few studies of assessment cytokines levels in young patients with bipolar disorder. The purpose of this study was to assess selected cytokines in serum of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with mood disorders in various episodes of the disease.
Material and methods. The study included 33 young people aged 14–24 with a diagnosis of mood disorders on the spectrum of bipolar disorder. The diagnosis was carried out in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of ICD-10 and DSM-IV by two independent psychiatrists, using structured interviews (KSADS-PL, SCID). Clinical evaluation (Beck, HAMD, YADRS, HCL-32) and biochemical analysis was conducted during control subsequent visits (visit 0, week 12, month 6).
Results. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between the lack of depression symptoms and higher concentrations of interleukin-8 in the 12th week of the study (p = 0,017). However, the 6th month of the study revealed a higher concentration of Interleukin-6 in the subset of young adults (18 > years) compared to teenagers (p = 0.030). In the 6th month of the study, significant relationship was present between the change of diagnosis (into the direction of bipolar disorder) and the occurrence of higher concentrations of interleukin-8 in blood serum (p = 0.033).
Conclusions. Preliminary results suggest that cytokines levels may be a promising indicator for bipolar disorder in youth, although replication studies with a control group are required.