BDNF Levels According to Variations in the CACNA1C Gene: Sex-Based Disparity.

The CACNA1C gene encodes the pore-forming alpha-1c subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. The calcium influx through these channels regulates the transcription of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Polymorphisms in this gene have been consistently associated with psychiatric disorders, and alterations in BDNF levels are a possible biological mechanism to explain such associations. Here, we sought to investigate the effect of the CACNA1C rs1006737 and rs4765913 polymorphisms and their haplotypes on serum BDNF concentration. We further aim to investigate the regulatory function of these SNPs and the ones linked to them. The study enrolled 641 young adults (362 women and 279 men) in a cross-sectional population-based survey. Linear regression was used to test the effects of polymorphisms and haplotypes on BDNF levels adjusted for potential confounders. Moreover, regulatory putative functional roles were assessed using in silico approach. BDNF levels were not associated with CACNA1C polymorphisms/haplotype in the total sample. When the sample was stratified by sex, checking the effect of polymorphisms on men and women separately, the A-allele of rs4765913 was associated with lower BDNF levels in women compared with the TT genotype (p = 0.010). The AA (rs1006737-rs4765913) haplotype was associated with BDNF levels in opposite directions regarding sex, with lower levels of BDNF in women (p = 0.040) compared to those without this haplotype, while with higher levels in men (p = 0.027). These findings were supported by the presence of regulatory marks only on the male fetal brain. Our results suggest that the BDNF levels regulation may be a potential mechanism underpinning the association between CACNA1C and psychiatric disorders, with a differential role in women and men.

S100B protein and neuron-specific enolase as predictors of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged dogs: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) may be related to brain injury. S100B protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) have been investigated as potential biochemical markers of neural cell injury in animals and humans. This study aimed to investigate the association between POCD, brain injury and serum concentrations of S100B and NSE after periodontal surgery in aged dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational animal study. ANIMALS: A total of 24 male and female dogs undergoing periodontal surgery. METHODS: Dogs were separated into two groups based on age: control group, 10 dogs ≤ 8 years and aged group, 14 dogs > 8 years. Cognitive function was measured preoperatively and on the seventh postoperative day using the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating scale and the Age-Related Cognitive and Affective Disorders scale. S100B protein and NSE serum concentrations were measured before and immediately after the surgery. RESULTS: POCD was not observed after surgery in the present study. Serum concentrations of S100B and NSE were increased postoperatively in the control group but not in the aged group (p = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Preoperative S100B serum concentrations were significantly higher in the aged group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between POCD and high concentrations of S100B and NSE in dogs. However, increased postoperative serum concentrations of S100B and NSE were found in the control group after surgery, an effect that may indicate neural damage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results suggest that anesthesia and oral surgery are associated with higher postoperative serum concentrations of S100B and NSE in dogs ≤ 8 years old, which may indicate neural damage. Serum concentrations of S100B were elevated in aged dogs before anesthesia, a finding that might be related to chronic preoperative brain damage.

Job satisfaction and work overload among mental health nurses in the south of Brazil. / Satisfação profissional e sobrecarga de trabalho de enfermeiros da área de saúde mental.

This study assessed job satisfaction and work overload among doctors, nurses, psychologists, and nursing technicians working in community mental health services and conducted a comparison between nurses and other healthcare professionals. Using convenience sampling, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 healthcare professionals working in psychosocial care centers in a municipality located in the South Region of Brazil. Data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, work impact assessment scale (Impacto - Br), and mental health professional satisfaction scale (Satis - Br). Data analysis was performed using the statistical software package SPSS 21.0. The average overall work overload score of nurses was 2.92 ± 0.42 and the average overall job satisfaction score was 3.38 ± 0.51. The level of satisfaction of nurses with the quality of services provided was lower than that of other professionals (3.36 ± 0.77 compared to 3.78 ± 0.56, respectively; p = 0.04). The factor that had the greatest negative influence on work overload among nurses was feeling physically tired (2.99 ± 0.92), while the factor that had the greatest positive influence on job satisfaction was good working relationships (4.06 ± 0.65).

Avaliar a satisfação profissional e a sobrecarga de trabalho dos enfermeiros atuantes em serviços de saúde mental e realizar uma comparação em relação aos demais profissionais do serviço. Estudo transversal, com amostragem por critério de conveniência, realizado em 2016 com 61 profissionais da área de saúde mental dos Centros de atenção psicossocial de um município localizado no extremo sul do Brasil. Para coleta de dados foi aplicado um questionário sociodemográfico e as Escalas de avaliação do impacto do trabalho (Impacto-Br) e de satisfação da equipe (Satis-Br). A análise dos dados foi realizada através do programa SPSS 21.0.O nível de sobrecarga global dos enfermeiros foi de 2,92 ± 0,42 e de satisfação global de 3,38 ± 0,51. Quando avaliado os escores na escala Satis-Br, houve uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa nos níveis de satisfação dos enfermeiros (3,36 ± 0,77) em relação aos demais profissionais atuantes no serviço (3,78 ± 0,56) no escore qualidade dos serviços oferecido (p = 0,04). O fator que promoveu maior nível de sobrecarga de trabalho entre os enfermeiros estão relacionados ao sentimento de se sentir fisicamente cansado (2,99 ± 0,92). Já o fator que promoveu maior satisfação profissional está relacionado ao bom relacionamento com a equipe (4,06 ± 0,65).

Satisfação profissional e sobrecarga de trabalho de enfermeiros da área de saúde mental / Job satisfaction and work overload among mental health nurses in the south of Brazil

Resumo Avaliar a satisfação profissional e a sobrecarga de trabalho dos enfermeiros atuantes em serviços de saúde mental e realizar uma comparação em relação aos demais profissionais do serviço. Estudo transversal, com amostragem por critério de conveniência, realizado em 2016 com 61 profissionais da área de saúde mental dos Centros de atenção psicossocial de um município localizado no extremo sul do Brasil. Para coleta de dados foi aplicado um questionário sociodemográfico e as Escalas de avaliação do impacto do trabalho (Impacto-Br) e de satisfação da equipe (Satis-Br). A análise dos dados foi realizada através do programa SPSS 21.0.O nível de sobrecarga global dos enfermeiros foi de 2,92 ± 0,42 e de satisfação global de 3,38 ± 0,51. Quando avaliado os escores na escala Satis-Br, houve uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa nos níveis de satisfação dos enfermeiros (3,36 ± 0,77) em relação aos demais profissionais atuantes no serviço (3,78 ± 0,56) no escore qualidade dos serviços oferecido (p = 0,04). O fator que promoveu maior nível de sobrecarga de trabalho entre os enfermeiros estão relacionados ao sentimento de se sentir fisicamente cansado (2,99 ± 0,92). Já o fator que promoveu maior satisfação profissional está relacionado ao bom relacionamento com a equipe (4,06 ± 0,65).

Abstract This study assessed job satisfaction and work overload among doctors, nurses, psychologists, and nursing technicians working in community mental health services and conducted a comparison between nurses and other healthcare professionals. Using convenience sampling, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 healthcare professionals working in psychosocial care centers in a municipality located in the South Region of Brazil. Data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, work impact assessment scale (Impacto - Br), and mental health professional satisfaction scale (Satis - Br). Data analysis was performed using the statistical software package SPSS 21.0. The average overall work overload score of nurses was 2.92 ± 0.42 and the average overall job satisfaction score was 3.38 ± 0.51. The level of satisfaction of nurses with the quality of services provided was lower than that of other professionals (3.36 ± 0.77 compared to 3.78 ± 0.56, respectively; p = 0.04). The factor that had the greatest negative influence on work overload among nurses was feeling physically tired (2.99 ± 0.92), while the factor that had the greatest positive influence on job satisfaction was good working relationships (4.06 ± 0.65).

Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 in mood disorders: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess if cytokines levels (IL-6 and IL-10) are related to major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), in a population-based study. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study population-based, involving 1037 people aged 18-35. MDD, BD, anxiety and suicide risk were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Serum IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by ELISA using a commercial kit. RESULTS: The total sample comprised 1034 young adults, being 14.4% with MDD and 13.7% with BD. MDD and BD groups showed significantly higher serum IL-6 levels (p ≤ 0.001) and IL-10 levels (p ≤ 0.001) when compared to healthy control group. No correlation was found between serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels in health control group (p = 0.830; r = -0.008), non-suicide risk (p = 0.337; r = 0.032) and non-anxiety disorder (p = 0.375; r = 0.031). Covariance analysis showed that mood disorders alone, increase both interleukin levels (IL-6, p = 0.019; and IL-10, p = 0.026), whilst the interaction of mood disorders and suicide risk or anxiety disorders did not. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that inflammatory dysregulation may be involved in the physiopathology of mood disorders and serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels are putative biomarkers for these disorders.

Serum level of nerve growth factor is a potential biomarker of conversion to bipolar disorder in women with major depressive disorder.

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and conversion from MDD to bipolar disorder (BD) in an outpatient sample of women. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study including women diagnosed with MDD and aged 18 to 60 years. The follow-up was 3 years. The diagnosis was performed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus. Blood collection was just performed in the first phase. Serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels were measured using a commercial immunoassay kit. RESULTS: We included 156 women. The conversion rate from MDD to BD was 15.4% (n = 24). NGF serum levels were increased in patients who converted to BD compared to the remitted MDD group and current MDD group (P = 0.013). The Bonferroni post-hoc test for multiple comparisons revealed significant differences for higher NGF levels in patients who converted to BD compared to patients with current MDD (P = 0.037). Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor serum levels did not differ among the groups. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that NGF might be a useful biomarker associated with early detection of conversion to BD, helping clinicians in the clinical diagnosis.

Metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders: a population-based study

Objective: To identify the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders in young adults in southern Brazil. Methods: This population based cross-sectional study involved a total of 1,023 young adults between the ages of 21 and 32 years. Current episodes of psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus version. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). Results: Of the 1,023 participants, 24.3% were identified with MetS, 13.5% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 7.5% with current depression, 3.9% with bipolar disorders and 10.1% were at risk of suicide. MetS was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.022), excess weight (p < 0.001), current anxiety disorders (p < 0.001), current mood disorders (bipolar disorder in mood episode and current depression) (p < 0.001), and suicide risk (p < 0.001). Conclusions: MetS was associated with psychiatric disorders. Awareness of factors associated with MetS can help identify high-risk individuals and stimulate disease prevention and control programs, as well as lifestyle changes.

Metabolic syndrome, depression and anhedonia among young adults.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between anhedonia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a well-characterized community sample of individuals with a current depressive episode. This is a cross-sectional study with young adults aged 24-30 years old. Depressive episode and the presence of anhedonia was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus version (MINI Plus). The MetS was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). The sample included 931 subjects, being 22 had depression without anhedonia, whereas 55 had depression with anhedonia. MetS was more prevalent among subjects with depression and anhedonia (43.6%) when compared to individuals without anhedonia and population control group. Moreover, subjects with depression and anhedonia have a significant increase of levels of glucose, triglycerides, total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, as well as significant decreased in the HDL-cholesterol level. The present study showed that individuals with depression and anhedonia present higher prevalence of MetS. Our study suggests that the use of the concept of anhedonia may contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome.

Serum Biomarkers and Clinical Outcomes in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: A plethora of reactive cellular responses emerge immediately after a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and may influence the patient's outcomes. We investigated whether serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase, interleukin-6, glial-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophic growth factor reflect the acute-phase responses to different etiologies of SCI and may serve as predictive biomarkers of neurologic and functional outcomes. METHODS: Fifty-two patients were admitted to the intensive care unit after SCI due to traffic accidents, falls, and firearm wounds and had blood samples collected within 48 hours and 7 days after SCI. Thirty-six healthy subjects with no history of SCI were included as controls. Neurologic and functional status was evaluated on the basis of American Spinal Injury Association and Functional Independence Measure scores over a period of 48 hours and 6 months after SCI. RESULTS: Serum NSE increased significantly 48 hours and 7 days after SCI compared with controls, while interleukin-6 increased only at 48 hours. In contrast, the neurotrophic growth factor level significantly decreased 48 hours and 7 days after SCI. Serum glial-derived neurotrophic factor level did not differ from control at any time point. Also, there was no significant difference in biomarker concentrations between the etiologies of SCI or the level of spinal injury. There were no correlations between biomarker levels at 48 hours with neurologic or functional outcomes 7 days and 6 months after SCI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest expansive axonal damage coupled with an acute proinflammatory response after SCI. However, in our study biomarker concentration did not correlate with short- or long-term prognosis, such as survival rate or sensory and motor function.

Metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders in young adults in southern Brazil. METHODS: This population based cross-sectional study involved a total of 1,023 young adults between the ages of 21 and 32 years. Current episodes of psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus version. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). RESULTS: Of the 1,023 participants, 24.3% were identified with MetS, 13.5% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 7.5% with current depression, 3.9% with bipolar disorders and 10.1% were at risk of suicide. MetS was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.022), excess weight (p < 0.001), current anxiety disorders (p < 0.001), current mood disorders (bipolar disorder in mood episode and current depression) (p < 0.001), and suicide risk (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MetS was associated with psychiatric disorders. Awareness of factors associated with MetS can help identify high-risk individuals and stimulate disease prevention and control programs, as well as lifestyle changes.

Effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on neurotrophic factors in patients with major depressive disorder

Objective: To correlate neurotrophic factors - brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) - and severity of depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, participants were selected by convenience and received 16 sessions of CBT. The outcomes of interest were severity of depressive symptoms and changes in neurotrophic factor levels after CBT. The differences between variables before and after treatment (deltas) were analyzed. Results: Patients had significant changes in symptom severity after treatment. No significant associations were found between Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores and any independent variable. No correlations were observed between BDNF or GDNF levels and BDI scores before or after treatment, although there was a trend toward significant differences in beta-NGF levels. Conclusion: BDNF, beta-NGF, and GDNF were not influenced by the effects of CBT on depressive symptoms.

Serum GDNF levels and anxiety disorders in a population-based study of young adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the serum GDNF levels in individuals with anxiety disorder (AD) in a population-based study. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study population-based, with people aged 18 to 35. AD's assessment was performed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I). Serum GDNF was measured by ELISA using a commercial kit. RESULTS: The prevalence was 3.3% for post-traumatic stress disorder, 6.7% for panic disorders, 17% generalized anxiety disorder, 5.1% for obsessive- compulsive disorder and 7.5% for social phobia. Serum GDNF levels was higher in individuals with panic disorders (p = 0.013), generalized anxiety (p = 0.035), obsessive- compulsive disorder (p = 0.005) and social phobia (p = 0.004), when compared to individuals without ADs. Only post traumatic stress disorder is not associated with serum GDNF levels (p = 0.119). CONCLUSION: In this paper, we observed increased serum levels of GDNF in individuals with anxiety disorders, suggesting that this biomarker can be used as a putative marker for AD's. The knowledge of the physiological changes related to anxiety disorders can provide a better understanding of AD's pathogenesis, as well as, mechanisms involved in the progression of this condition.

Effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on neurotrophic factors in patients with major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate neurotrophic factors - brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) - and severity of depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, participants were selected by convenience and received 16 sessions of CBT. The outcomes of interest were severity of depressive symptoms and changes in neurotrophic factor levels after CBT. The differences between variables before and after treatment (deltas) were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients had significant changes in symptom severity after treatment. No significant associations were found between Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores and any independent variable. No correlations were observed between BDNF or GDNF levels and BDI scores before or after treatment, although there was a trend toward significant differences in beta-NGF levels. CONCLUSION: BDNF, beta-NGF, and GDNF were not influenced by the effects of CBT on depressive symptoms.

Gender differences of cannabis smoking on serum leptin levels: population-based study

Objective: To evaluate the serum leptin levels in cannabis smokers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study of participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic data and the use of psychoactive substances. Leptin levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: Of the 911 participants, 6.7% were identified as cannabis smokers and had significantly lower leptin levels (p = 0.008). When stratified by gender, there was a significant decrease in leptin levels among male smokers (p = 0.039). Conclusion: Cannabis smoking was linked to leptin levels in men, suggesting that the response to biological signals may be different between men and women.

Enhanced cholinergic-tone during the stress induce a depressive-like state in mice.

Major depressive disorder has a heterogeneous etiology, since it arises from the interaction of multiple factors and different pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in the symptomatology. This study aimed to investigate the role of the cholinergic system in the susceptibility to stress and, consequently, in the depression-like behavior. C57BL/6 mice were treated with Physostigmine (PHYS), an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, and were submitted to the social defeat stress. For the behavioral evaluation of the locomotor activity, anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors the open field, elevated plus maze, sucrose preference, social interaction and forced swim were used. Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex samples were collected for evaluation of AChE activity, as well as blood samples for analysis of serum cortisol levels. Our results showed that 15 min after the injection of PHYS there was a significant inhibition of AChE activity in the hippocampus and in the prefrontal cortex. On the other hand, in the end of the experimental design, day 12, there was no difference in AChE activity levels. Inhibition of AChE and exposure to the stress led to an increase in cortisol levels. Animals that received PHYS and were exposed to stress showed less social interaction and greater learned helplessness, anhedonia and anxious-like behavior. Taken together, our findings suggest that increasing the cholinergic tone shortly before stress induction impacts on the ability to cope with upcoming stressful situations, leading to a depressive-like state.

Childhood trauma and increased peripheral cytokines in young adults with major depressive: Population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of childhood trauma in cytokine serum levels of individuals with MDD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study population-based, with people aged 18 to 35. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) measured to current major depressive disorder (MDD). To evaluate traumatic experiences during childhood, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was applied. Serum TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA using a commercial kit. RESULTS: The total sample comprised 166 young adults, of these: 40.4% were subjects with MDD and childhood trauma and 59.6% were diagnosed with MDD without childhood trauma. In relation to serum interleukin levels, subjects with childhood trauma showed a significantly higher serum IL-6 (p = 0.013) and IL-10 levels (p = 0.022) to compare no childhood trauma. Subjects with childhood trauma was observed positive correlation between serum IL-6 and physical abuse (r = 0.232, p = 0.035) and emotional abuse (r = 0.460, p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, IL-10 were positive correlation with physical abuse (r = 0.258, p = 0.013). TNF- α was not associated with childhood trauma. CONCLUSION: Childhood maltreatment may result higher inflammation dysregulation in individuals with depression than individuals that no has childhood maltreatment.

Gender differences of cannabis smoking on serum leptin levels: population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the serum leptin levels in cannabis smokers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional population-based study of participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic data and the use of psychoactive substances. Leptin levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. RESULTS: Of the 911 participants, 6.7% were identified as cannabis smokers and had significantly lower leptin levels (p = 0.008). When stratified by gender, there was a significant decrease in leptin levels among male smokers (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Cannabis smoking was linked to leptin levels in men, suggesting that the response to biological signals may be different between men and women.

Mood disorder, anxiety, and suicide risk among subjects with alcohol abuse and/or dependence: a population-based study

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of alcohol abuse and/or dependence in a population-based sample of young adults and assess the prevalence of comorbid mood disorders, anxiety, and suicide risk in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled 1,953 young adults aged 18-35 years. The CAGE questionnaire was used to screen for alcohol abuse and/or dependence, with CAGE scores ≥ 2 considered positive. Psychiatric disorders were investigated through the structured Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Results: Alcohol abuse and/or dependence was identified in 187 (9.60%) individuals (5.10% among women and 15.20% among men). Alcohol abuse and/or dependence were more prevalent among men than women, as well as among those who used tobacco, illicit drugs or presented with anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and suicide risk. Conclusion: These findings suggest that alcohol abuse and/or dependence are consistently associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, could be considered important predictors of other psychiatric disorders, and deserve greater public heath attention, pointing to the need for alcohol abuse prevention programs.

Serum levels of interleukins IL-6 and IL-10 in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder in a population-based sample.

To evaluate the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 anti-inflammatory interleukins in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a population-based study. This is a paired study nested in a cross-sectional population-based study. All individuals who presented PTSD and did not present major depressive disorder, diagnostic by interview--Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview were selected. From these, 41 healthy controls were matched by sex and age. Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by the ELISA, using commercial kits. The group of individuals with PTSD showed a significant increase in the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10. Our results suggest that individuals with PTSD may present an activation of the immune system, which may lead to neuroinflammation.