Estimation of the Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Interleukin-1β and Their Correlation With Clinical Severity in Depression Patients: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Depression is a complex psychiatric disorder with no universally accepted risk assessment tools. The pathogenesis of depression remains incompletely understood, and the exact mechanisms underlying its onset are still debated. A prevailing hypothesis suggests that dysregulated cytokine production, driven by immune system hyperactivation, may play a role in the development of depression.

Methods: This study aimed to investigate alterations in serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in individuals with depression and assess their potential roles as biomarkers. This was a case-control study. Cases diagnosed with depression were compared with healthy controls. The severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Serum levels of BDNF and IL-1β were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits procured from MyBioSource company.

Results: Patients with depression exhibited significantly higher serum levels of IL-1β and lower levels of BDNF compared to healthy controls. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between IL-1β levels and HDRS scores, while BDNF levels showed a significant negative correlation with HDRS scores.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that serum IL-1β levels are positively correlated, while BDNF levels are negatively correlated, with the severity of depression. These biochemical markers may serve as potential risk assessment indicators and biomarkers for depression, providing insight into the underlying mechanisms of the disorder.