Decreased IFN-gamma and IL-12 levels in panic disorder

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the measures of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with panic disorder in comparison with the healthy subjects. Methods: Twenty three patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia and twenty three controls were recruited for the study. Plasma samples of all subjects were analyzed for TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-12 concentrations and NK-cell activity is measured in the peripheral blood samples of the subjects. Results: We found significant differences on the mean values of IL-12 (p = 0.01) and IFN-gamma (p = 0.02) between the panic disorder and control groups. In a logistic regression analysis, IFN-gamma values were significant statistical predictors of the presence of panic disorder (B = -0.07, SE = 0.03, p = 0.04). Conclusion: The most important implication of our results is to suggest a relation between panic disorder and low levels of IFN-gamma compatible with the results of the animal studies showing that IFN-gamma plays a role by acting to regulate the development of anxiety-like behaviors.