Changes in inflammation are related to depression and amount of aerobic exercise in first episode schizophrenia.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-13-2020

Publication Title

Early Interv Psychiatry

Keywords

BPRS; IL-6; aerobic exercise; depressive symptoms; first episode schizophrenia; inflammation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reported in meta-analyses of multi-episode schizophrenia patients when compared to controls. However, little is known about whether these same relationships are present in the early course of schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess first episode schizophrenia patients for depression and to assay blood samples collected at baseline and at 6 months for interleukin-6 (IL-6).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trained raters used the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale to assess depressive symptoms and a standard lab assay kit to assess for IL-6 levels in plasma.

CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in pro-inflammatory IL-6 levels were significantly related to decreases in depressive symptoms. Within a subset of patients in a 6-month aerobic exercise protocol, the number of exercise sessions completed was significantly correlated with the amount of decrease in IL-6. The reductions observed in IL-6 with aerobic exercise suggest exercise is a promising intervention to reduce brain inflammation effects in schizophrenia patients.

Clinical Institute

Mental Health

Clinical Institute

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Department

Neurosciences

Department

Behavioral Health

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