Antidepressant therapy and C-reactive protein levels.
BACKGROUND
Major depression is associated with activation of the inflammatory response.


OBJECTIVE
To examine C-reactive protein levels in depression and to determine the impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy.


METHODS
A two-part study. In study 1, which used a between-subjects design, C-reactive protein was measured in 32 patients (20 currently depressed, 12 euthymic) with a history of DSM-IV major depression, all of whom were treated with an SSRI, and in a healthy comparison group (n = 20). Study 2 employed a within-subject design: C-reactive protein was measured in 20 patients with major depression both before and after SSRI treatment.


RESULTS
In study 1, C-reactive protein levels did not differ between the group with depressive disorder (either currently depressed or euthymic) treated with SSRIs and the healthy group. In study 2 the protein levels dropped significantly following treatment with antidepressant medication.


CONCLUSIONS
Following SSRI treatment for major depression there is a significant drop in C-reactive protein concentrations whether or not the depression resolves. These findings indicate that antidepressants induce an anti-inflammatory response independent of antidepressant action.
O'Brien
Sinead M
SM
Department of Psychiatry and Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Scott
Lucinda V
LV
Dinan
Timothy G
TG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020280:Sertraline / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D005473:Fluoxetine; D017374:Paroxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D020280:Sertraline