Interleukin 6 and depression in patients affected by Covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: Rise of central cytokines resulting from infections produces neuronal changes. Covid-19 allows the study of depressive symptoms in sustained stress and its relationship with molecular mechanisms.

Objectives: To assess correlation between IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α and depressive symptoms. Characterize the depressive symptoms present.

Methods: Observational study. Patients admitted for Covid-19 older than 60 years with a interleukin determination were included. The Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used, associating each item with a neurotransmitter.

Results: 27 patients included. We did not find correlation between IL-6 levels and the GDS scale score (rho=0.204; 95% CI -0.192 to 0.543); with IL-1β levels (rho=-0.126; 95% CI -0.490 to 0.276); nor of TNF-α (rho=-0.033; 95% CI -0.416 to 0.360). 3 patients (11.1%) presented score compatible with depressive disorder. It was associated with a deficiency of noradrenaline and serotonin.

Conclusions: We found no correlation between the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α with the GDS score. Depressive symptomatology is similar to vascular depressions.

Keywords: Covid-19; Depresión; Depression; IL-1β; IL-6; TNF-α; Vascular.