Higher CSF interleukin-6 and CSF interleukin-8 in current depression in older women. Results from a population-based sample

Brain Behav Immun. 2014 Oct:41:55-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.05.006. Epub 2014 May 20.

Abstract

Objective: The literature regarding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokines in geriatric depression is sparse. The aim of this study was to examine associations between CSF interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and depression in a population-based sample of older women who were followed for 17 years.

Methods: 86 dementia-free women aged 70-84 years who participated in the Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden took part in a lumbar puncture in 1992-3. CSF IL-6 and CSF IL-8 were measured. Psychiatric symptoms were rated with the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale at baseline and at three subsequent face-to-face examinations. Depression (major or minor) was diagnosed in accordance with DSM-IV/DSM-IV research criteria.

Results: At baseline, women with ongoing major (n=10) or minor depression (n=9) had higher levels of CSF IL-6 (p=0.008) and CSF IL-8 (p=0.007) compared with those without depression (n=67). Higher CSF IL-8 was related to higher MADRS score (p=0.003). New cases of depression were observed in 9 women during follow-ups. No associations between CSF cytokine levels and future depression could be shown in women without depression at baseline.

Conclusion: Higher levels of CSF IL-6 and IL-8 were associated with current depression in this population-based sample. CSF IL-6 and CSF IL-8 may play a role in depression in late life.

Keywords: CSF; Depression; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Older women; Population-based; Prospective.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Aging / psychology
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers
  • Depression / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Interleukin-8 / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Prospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sweden

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukin-8