Interleukin 6 and depression in patients affected by Covid-19.

INTRODUCTION: Rise of central cytokines resulting from infections produces neuronal changes. Covid-19 allows the study of depressive symptoms in sustained stress and its relationship with molecular mechanisms. OBJECTIVES: To assess correlation between IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α and depressive symptoms. Characterize the depressive symptoms present. METHODS: Observational study. Patients admitted for Covid-19 older than 60 years with a interleukin determination were included. The Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale was used, associating each item with a neurotransmitter. RESULTS: 27 patients included. We did not find correlation between IL-6 levels and the GDS scale score (rho = 0.204; 95% CI -0.192 to 0.543); with IL-1ß levels (rho = -0.126; 95% CI -0.490 to 0.276); nor of TNF-α (rho = -0.033; 95% CI -0.416 to 0.360). 3 patients (11.1%) presented score compatible with depressive disorder. It was associated with a deficiency of Noradrenaline and Serotonin. CONCLUSIONS: We found no correlation between the levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α with the GDS score. Depressive symptomatology is similar to vascular depressions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El incremento de citocinas centrales resultante de infecciones produce cambios neuronales. La Covid-19 permite estudiar los síntomas depresivos en un estrés sostenido y su relación con mecanismos moleculares. OBJETIVOS: Valorar la correlación entre niveles de IL-6, IL-1ß y TNF-α y sintomatología depresiva. Caracterizar los cuadros depresivos presentes. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional. Se incluyeron pacientes ingresados por Covid-19 mayores de 60 años con una determinación de interleucinas. Se utilizó la Escala de depresión geriátrica de Yesavage, asociándose cada ítem con un neurotransmisor. RESULTADOS: 27 pacientes incluidos. No encontramos correlación entre los niveles de IL-6 y la puntuación de la escala GDS (rho = 0,204; IC95% −0.192 a 0.543); con los niveles de IL-1ß (rho = −0,126; IC95% −0.490 a 0.276); ni de TNF-α (rho = −0,033; IC95% −0.416 a 0.360). 3 pacientes (11,1%) presentaron una puntuación compatible con cuadro depresivo. Se asoció a déficit de Noradrenalina y Serotonina. CONCLUSIONES: No hallamos correlación entre los niveles de IL-6, IL-1ß y TNF-α con la puntuación en la GDS. La sintomatología depresiva presenta características similares a las depresiones vasculares.

[Interleukin 6 and depression in patients affected by Covid-19]. / Relación entre los niveles de interleucina 6 y depresión en pacientes afectados por Covid-19.

INTRODUCTION: Rise of central cytokines resulting from infections produces neuronal changes. Covid-19 allows the study of depressive symptoms in sustained stress and its relationship with molecular mechanisms. OBJECTIVES: To assess correlation between IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α and depressive symptoms. Characterize the depressive symptoms present. METHODS: Observational study. Patients admitted for Covid-19 older than 60 years with a interleukin determination were included. The Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used, associating each item with a neurotransmitter. RESULTS: 27 patients included. We did not find correlation between IL-6 levels and the GDS scale score (rho=0.204; 95% CI -0.192 to 0.543); with IL-1ß levels (rho=-0.126; 95% CI -0.490 to 0.276); nor of TNF-α (rho=-0.033; 95% CI -0.416 to 0.360). 3 patients (11.1%) presented score compatible with depressive disorder. It was associated with a deficiency of noradrenaline and serotonin. CONCLUSIONS: We found no correlation between the levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α with the GDS score. Depressive symptomatology is similar to vascular depressions.