The Relationship Between Serum Cytokine Levels and the Degree of Psychosis and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Methamphetamine-Associated Psychosis in Chinese Patients

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Cytokine levels can be changed in methamphetamine (METH) use disorders (MUDs) and primary psychosis. The present study assessed serum levels of some kinds of interleukins (ILs) in METH-associated psychosis (MAP) and their relationships with psychotic symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. <b>Methods:</b> Serum IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels were examined by chemiluminescence assays in MAP patients (<i>n</i> = 119) and healthy controls (<i>n</i> = 108). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) were administered. <b>Results:</b> Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased in MAP patients (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). There was a negative relationship between IL-2R levels and PANSS positive (P) subscale scores (<i>r</i> = -0.193, <i>p</i> = 0.035). IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 levels were all negatively correlated with the naming, delayed recall and orientation subscores on the MOCA (<i>r</i> = -0.209, <i>p</i> = 0.022; <i>r</i> = -0.245, <i>p</i> = 0.007; <i>r</i> = -0.505, <i>p</i> < 0.001, respectively). <b>Conclusions:</b> Our results indicate that immune disturbances are related to MAP and that IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 are associated with the severity of psychotic symptoms and cognitive function impairment.