Association of TNF-α and IL-6 Concentrations with Depression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Psychiatry
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β).
• These cytokines can affect neurotransmission and synaptic activity, potentially leading to depression in RA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between TNF-α and IL-6 levels, disease activity, and depression severity in RA patients.
• To compare the sensitivity of the Beck and Hamilton depression scales in detecting depressive symptoms in RA.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed TNF-α and IL-6 levels in 116 RA patients with depression and 45 primary depression patients (control).
• Correlated cytokine levels with Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores using Spearman test.

Main Results:

• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) showed a positive association with both Beck and Hamilton depression scales (p < 0.05).
• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) demonstrated a positive association with the Hamilton scale (p < 0.05).
• The Hamilton depression scale proved more sensitive in identifying depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines correlate with the degree of depression in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Prompt depression detection, particularly using the sensitive Hamilton scale, can guide treatment and improve RA patient quality of life.