Connection between inflammatory markers, antidepressants and depression

The aim of this study was to explore the role of inflammatory markers in the occurrence of depression. The concentrations of inflammatory markers were analyzed in the groups of healthy subjects and subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD) initially and after one-month antidepressant therapy in the latter. The intention was to demonstrate the role of inflammatory markers in the development of MDD by differences in their concentrations and to explain the mechanism of depression development. This would help us expand our understanding of the occurrence of depression and enable introduction of some new methods in the treatment and diagnosis of depression. Study results showed a statistically significant difference in the concentrations of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) between the group of MDD subjects and control group of healthy subjects. These concentrations were higher in MDD subjects. A statistically significant difference was also found in CRP concentration before and after antidepressant therapy administered to MDD patients, i.e. it was lower after antidepressant therapy. Study results pointed to the efficacy of antidepressant therapy for depression by reducing the concentration of this inflammatory marker.