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Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α in major depressive disorder: Sex-specific associations with psychological symptoms
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  • Asmahan Elgellaie,
  • Susan Thomas,
  • Jacqueline Kaelle,
  • Jessica Bartschi,
  • Theresa Larkin
Asmahan Elgellaie
University of Wollongong

Corresponding Author:aae854@uowmail.edu.au

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Susan Thomas
University of Wollongong
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Jacqueline Kaelle
University of Wollongong Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute
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Jessica Bartschi
University of Wollongong
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Theresa Larkin
University of Wollongong Faculty of Science Medicine and Health
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Abstract

The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α are associated with major depressive disorder, psychological distress, cardiovascular health, and obesity. However, there is limited research that has examined multiple associations between these variables, among individuals with major depressive disorder in comparison to a control cohort, including sex differences. In this study, data was analysed from 60 individuals with major depressive disorder and 60 controls, including plasma IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α, adiposity measures (body mass index; waist circumference), cardiovascular health indices (blood pressure; heart rate) and psychological symptoms (depressive severity; anxiety; hostility; stress). The cytokines were compared by group and sex, and correlated with measures of adiposity, cardiovascular health indices and psychological health. Plasma IL-1α and IL-6 were higher in major depressive disorder group versus control, but with a sex interaction for IL-6, with this group difference only among females. TNF-α did not differ between groups. IL-1α and IL-6 correlated with depressive severity, anxiety, hostility, and stress, while TNF-α correlated only with anxiety and hostility. Psychopathology was associated with IL-1α in males only, and with IL-6 and TNF-α in females only. None of the cytokines correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure or heart rate. The result of group by sex interaction for IL-6, and sex specific associations between pro-inflammatory cytokines and psychometrics could be aetiologically important in depression interventions and treatments for females versus males, warranting further investigation.
09 Dec 2022Submitted to European Journal of Neuroscience
09 Dec 2022Submission Checks Completed
09 Dec 2022Assigned to Editor
09 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Dec 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Jan 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
02 Feb 20231st Revision Received
03 Feb 2023Submission Checks Completed
03 Feb 2023Assigned to Editor
03 Feb 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
12 Apr 20232nd Revision Received
12 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
12 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
12 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Accept