Cited by 1,683Tryptophan and brain disordersSchizophrenia research and treatmentTreatment of Major Depression

A meta-analysis of blood cytokine network alterations in psychiatric patients: comparisons between schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression.

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Goldsmith, D R, Rapaport, M H, Miller, B J·2016·Molecular Psychiatry

Abstract

Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) have all been associated with aberrant blood cytokine levels; however, neither the pattern of cytokine alterations nor the impact of clinical status have been compared across disorders. We performed a meta-analysis of blood cytokines in acutely and chronically ill patients with these major psychiatric disorders. Articles were identified by searching the PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science, and the reference lists of these studies. Sixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria (40 schizophrenia, 10 bipolar disorder and 18 MDD) for acutely ill patients. Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria (18 schizophrenia, 16 bipolar disorder and 12 MDD) for chronically ill patients. Levels of two cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), one soluble cytokine receptor (sIL-2R), and one cytokine receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were significantly increased in acutely ill patients with schizophrenia, bipolar mania and MDD compared with controls (P<0.01). Following treatment of the acute illness, IL-6 levels significantly decreased in both schizophrenia and MDD (P<0.01); sIL-2R levels increased in schizophrenia; and IL-1RA levels in bipolar mania decreased. In chronically ill patients, the levels of IL-6 were significantly increased in schizophrenia, euthymic (but not depressed) bipolar disorder and MDD compared with controls (P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β and sIL-2R were significantly increased in both chronic schizophrenia and euthymic bipolar disorder. Overall, there were similarities in the pattern of cytokine alterations in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and MDD during acute and chronic phases of illness, raising the possibility of common underlying pathways for immune dysfunction. Effects of treatment on cytokines were more robust for schizophrenia and MDD, but were more frequently studied than for acute mania. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of major psychiatric disorders.

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Authors
Goldsmith, D. R., Rapaport, M. H., & Miller, B. J.
Affiliations
  • Emory University (US)
  • Augusta University (US)
Corresponding author
Goldsmith, D R
Venue
Molecular Psychiatry
Published
2016-02-23
Volume
21
Issue
12
Pages
1696-1709
ISSN
  • 1359-4184 (ISSN-L)
  • 1476-5578
OpenAlex
W2399060753
Cited by
1,683
References
164
Citations by year
2026: 133 · 2025: 163 · 2024: 172 · 2023: 206 · 2022: 218 · 2021: 224 · 2020: 168 · 2019: 146 · 2018: 124 · 2017: 89 · 2016: 35 · 2015: 1
FWCI
7.85
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Molecular Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • U.S. Public Health Service
  • National Institute of Mental Health (K23MH098014, R25MH101079)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
Keywords
blood cytokines, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, interleukin-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, immune dysfunction, acute mania, chronic disease, antipsychotic treatment effects
MeSH terms
Adult, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, Female, Humans, Male, Psychotic Disorders, Schizophrenia, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Receptors, Interleukin-2, Interleukin-6, Cytokines, Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein

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