Serum IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels in drug-free, comorbidity-free obsessive-compulsive disorder patients

Objective: Increasing evidence suggests that certain inflammatory factors, especially cytokines, can lead to neurochemical and behavioral changes via their role in the brain signaling system. Studies investigating cytokine abnormalities in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have yielded conflicting results thus far. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels in drug-free, comorbidity-free patients with OCD. Methods: Forty comorbidity-free, drug-free OCD patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. Clinical severity was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Evaluation Scale (YBOCES). Results: IL-1 levels were significantly higher and IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls. No differences were observed in IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels. How-ever, a negative relationship was found between IL-1 levels and compulsive symptoms (YBOCES) in OCD patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the possible role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of OCD. It is important to continue investigating the role of cytokines and other immunological markers in both the etiology and treatment of OCD. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2018; 19(2.000): 157-162]