Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Serotonin and its implication in the side-effects of interferon-based treatment of patients with chronic viral
Cristina Stasi1, Massimo Rosselli, Anna Linda Zignego
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Abstract:
Depression is a frequent side-effect of interferon-based treatment of patients with chronic viral hepatitis, that may lead to reduction or discontinuation of treatment. Clinical trials data showed the importance of therapy of psychiatric disorders for a successful antiviral treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that interferon may cause depression affecting serotonin synthesis via increased activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors significantly improve mood disorders, but the use of these drugs requires caution because some studies reported the emergence of mania in patients treated for depression during antiviral therapy. Therefore, this review will examine and discuss the putative role of serotonin and its metabolism in the development of depression during antiviral therapy, focusing on pharmacological interventions to reduce side-effects.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

