Inflammation biomarkers in suicide attempts and their relation to abuse, global functioning and cognition
Jéssica Fernández-Sevillano, Itxaso González–Ortega, Karina S. MacDowell, Iñaki Zorrilla, María Purificación López, Philippe Courtet, Andrea Gabilondo, Mónica Martínez‐Cengotitabengoa, Juan C. Leza, Pilar A. Sáiz, Ana González‐Pinto
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore the link between cytokines and suicide attempts and their relationship with the psychological aspects of this complex multifactorial phenomenon. METHODS: 96 participants, including 20 patients with a recent suicide attempt and diagnosis of Major Depression Disorder (MDD), 33 MDD patients with a lifetime history of suicide attempt, 23 non-attempter MDD patients, and 20 healthy controls underwent an assessment on depressive symptoms, global functioning, aggressive behaviour, presence of abuse and attention performance. Additionally, all participants had a blood extraction for IL-2, IL2-R, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α plasma levels analysis. RESULTS: = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Recent and distant suicidal behaviour is associated with elevated IL-6 levels, which may be influenced by stressful and traumatic experiences. Elevated concentrations of IL-6 could have a negative impact on attention, increasing suicide risk. More research is needed to clarify the role of cytokines in suicide-related features to explore novel treatments and more effective preventive interventions.