ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to examine the associations between depression and inflammatory markers in patients admitted to the hospital for myocardial infarction. Inflammatory cytokines, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] were assessed in a group of 75 depressed participants [score of >/= 12] and compared to a control group of 75 nondepressed participants [score < 12], all who had been admitted to the hospital for myocardial infarction. The presence of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Beck Depressive Symptoms Inventory II Scale [BDI-II]. Depressed myocardial infarction participants had significantly greater levels of TNF-alpha [t = 2.070, P < 0.05] compared with control myocardial infarction participants. The BDI-II score was positively correlated with TNF-alpha levels [r = 0.222, P < 0.05]. These results indicate that the presence of depressive symptoms is positively associated with TNF-alpha levels among patients who have suffered from myocardial infarction