title: Lower serum cytokine levels in smokers than nonsmokers with chronic schizophrenia on long-term treatment with antipsychotics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Schizophrenia is associated with various abnormalities in the immune system. Suppression of inflammatory cytokines by cigarette smoke is well-established. The purpose of this study was to determine any differences in cytokine profiles in smokers and nonsmokers with schizophrenia and whether there were any relationships among altered cytokine profiles and psychopathological symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels were measured in 96 male inpatients with DSM-IV schizophrenia: 66 smokers and 30 nonsmokers. Symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The positive PANSS symptoms were lower in smokers than nonsmokers, while the negative symptoms were lower in those who smoked more cigarettes. Cytokine levels were positively correlated: IL-2 level with IL-6 and IL-6 with both IL-8 and TNF-alpha. Both IL-2 and IL-6, but not IL-8 or TNF-alpha, were significantly lower in smokers than nonsmokers (p < 0.002; p < 0.01). Lower IL-2 levels correlated with fewer negative symptoms and with smoking more cigarettes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The fewer positive symptoms in smokers and fewer negative symptoms in those who smoked more cigarettes may be associated with nicotine-induced suppression of some inflammatory cytokines.
authors: Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, VA Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. xyzhang@bcm.edu
authors: Xiang Yang
authors: XY
authors: Zhang
authors: Lian Yuan
authors: LY
authors: Cao
authors: Cai
authors: C
authors: Song
authors: Gui Ying
authors: GY
authors: Wu
authors: Da Chun
authors: DC
authors: Chen
authors: Ling Yan
authors: LY
authors: Qi
authors: Fan
authors: F
authors: Wang
authors: Mei Hong
authors: MH
authors: Xiu
authors: Song
authors: S
authors: Chen
authors: Yingyang
authors: Y
authors: Zhang
authors: Lin
authors: L
authors: Lu
authors: Therese A
authors: TA
authors: Kosten
authors: Thomas R
authors: TR
authors: Kosten
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003024:Clozapine / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D007378:Interleukins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D003024:Clozapine