The study of level changes of serum cytokine, C-reactive protein and zinc in patients with depression at pre-and post-treatment of Paroxetine

ObjectiveBy means of measuring the level of serum cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α), C-reactive protein and zinc in patients with depression at pre- and post-treatment of Paroxetine,to explore the role of these indices in the pathophysiology in depression. MethodsThere are 33 patients with depression according to the criteria of CCMD-3 and ICD-10,and 23 healthy controls in our study. The level of serum IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α by enzymatic-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA),and serum CRP concentration were measured by scatter rate nephelometry,and the level of Zn by chemistry colorimetric method. And at pre- and post-treatment to assess HAMD,analyze the correlation of sever degree,course,disease onset year,gender,the total score of HAMD, the factor score and serum IL-6, IL-1β,TNF-α,CRP,Zn. Results1.There is significant higher in the level of serum IL-6(8.90±5.63)pg/ml, TNF-α(13.57±7.63)pg/ml, CRP(6.18±5.68)mg/L in patients with depression than those in controls[IL-6:(5.95±3.66)pg/ml,TNF-α:(12.87±5.34)pg/ml, CRP:(2.50±1.44)(mg/L)],and significant lower in serum zinc levelin depression(11.88±2.37) than that in controls(13.60(±1.90)),significant lower in serum zinc level in female patients with depression(11.19±2.21)μmol/L than male depression(14.04±1.48)μmol/L.2. There is significant positive correlation in the serum Zn level and psychomotor retardation score of HAMD in depression (r=0.351,P0.05). 3. Serum IL-6,TNF-α, CRP level in post-treatment is significant lower than pre-treatment in depression(P0.05);the level of serum Zn in post-treatment is significant higher than pre-treatment(P0.01). Conclusions1.The increases in the level of serum IL-6, TNF-α, CRP may be immunological markers of depression;2. Zn can play a role in the etiopathogenesis of depression; 3.Paroxetine may affect the level of IL-6,TNF-α,CRP,Zn.