Impact of interleukin-1β single nucleotide polymorphisms and depressive symptoms in individuals with chronic viral hepatitis

Elevated levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) have been identified in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and have been associated with depressive symptoms. Given the high prevalence of depression in this patient population, this study sought to explore the potential influence of IL-1β genetic variations on the severity of depressive symptoms. In a cohort of 181 Taiwanese patients with chronic viral hepatitis, we investigated the impact of five common IL-1β single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs16944, rs1143627, rs1143630, rs1143643, and rs3136558, on depressive symptoms using the Beck's Depression Inventory-II. Additionally, we analyzed the primary domains of IL-1β-related depressive symptoms according to Beck's six symptom categories of depression. Our analysis revealed significant associations between depressive symptoms and three intronic IL-1β SNPs. After controlling for age, sex, marital status, and education level, patients with the rs1143630 GG, rs1143643 CC, and rs3136558 AA genotypes demonstrated higher severity of depressive symptoms in the domains of indecision (p = 0.004), agitation (p = 0.001), and feelings of punishment (p = 0.005), respectively, compared to rs1143630 GA+AA, rs1143643 CT, and rs3136558 AG+GG genotypes. According to Beck's categorization, these symptoms can be classified into three dimensions: disturbances in emotion regulation, energy, and cognition. Our findings demonstrate the association between IL-1β polymorphisms and depressive symptoms and suggest a potential underlying mechanism for specific depressive symptoms within the chronic viral hepatitis population. These insights could improve our understanding and treatment of depressive symptoms in individuals with viral hepatitis.