Relationships between depression level and serum inflammatory factors and thyroxine levels in patients with malignant bone tumors associated with depression.

Objective: To elucidate the relationships between depression level and serum inflammatory factors and thyroxine levels in patients with malignant bone tumors associated with depression.

Methods: The depression (n = 28) and non-depression groups (n = 35) were established. Another 35 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. The severity of depression was assessed, and the depression group received the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant sertraline for 4 weeks. Serum levels of inflammatory factors and thyroxine, and the correlation between inflammatory factors, thyroxine, and HAMD-17 score were analyzed.

Results: The IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-21 levels were lower and TGF-β1, IL-10, and IL-27 were higher in the depression group after treatment than before treatment. After treatment, T3 levels were higher and T4 levels were lower in the depression group. T4 levels were higher in patients with major depression than those with mild depression. IL-1β and IL-21 levels were elevated in moderately depressed patients [(11.13 ± 1.49) ng/L、(9.71 ± 1.26) ng/L], and IL-1β levels were elevated in severely depressed patients [(11.26 ± 1.95) ng/L], compared to mildly depressed patients [(9.36 ± 1.25) ng/L, (7.95 ± 1.31) ng/L] (all p < 0.05). Serum IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-21 were positively correlated with the total HAMD-17 score, and TGF-β1 and IL-10 were negatively correlated with the total HAMD-17 score.

Conclusion: Depression degree in patients with malignant bone tumors correlates with serum inflammatory factors and thyroxine levels. Measurement of serum inflammatory factors and thyroxine levels can assess the progression and prognosis of depressed patients.