Interleukin-6 reflects trait impulsivity in suicide attempters

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

关键词: cytokines;    neuroinflammation;    suicide;    depression;    personality;    impulsivity;   

DOI  :  10.3402/ejpt.v3i0.19341

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background : High cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels have been reported in suicide attempters. Features of the suicidal temperament include such personality traits as anger and aggression, impulsivity, anxiety proneness and low socialization. High levels of neuroticism and low levels of conscientiousness assessed with structured personality inventories have previously been associated to increased levels of IL-6, in population based samples. The aim of this study was to assess whether plasma levels of IL-6 were associated to specific personality traits in suicide attempters. Methods : Plasma concentration of IL-6 was measured in 58 suicide attempters with a high throughput automated biochip immunoassay system. Patients were evaluated using the Karolinska Scale of Personality (KSP). A standard multiple regression analysis was performed with IL-6 as the dependent variable and KSP factors Neuroticism, Nonconformity, Psychoticism and Extraversion as independent variables adjusted for age and gender. Results : The regression model was significant (R 2=0.40, F ratio = 7.3, df = 6, p<0.0001), and the results suggested that high scores on Extraversion were associated with high levels of IL-6 (t ratio = 4.14, p<0.0001). IL-6 levels showed a significant positive correlation with trait impulsivity (r=0.39, p=0.003). Conclusions : In suicide attempters, IL-6 may be related to trait impulsivity, a key feature of the suicidal temperament. This study motivates further studies on cytokine activity and their involvement in behavioural development. The study adds further support on biological involvement in suicidal behaviour.