Association of depression with inflammation in hospitalized patients of myocardial Infarction

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