Levels of serum immunomodulators and alterations with electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant major depression.

Studies in recent years have indicated that neuroimmunological events and immune activation may have a place in the etiology of depression. It has been suggested from data that there is a causal relationship between activation of the immune system and excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the etiology of depression. Although the mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is unclear, there is evidence that it can reduce cytokines and immune system changes.

Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor in treatment resistant major depression.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of electroconvulsive treatment on serum BDNF and NGF levels in patients with treatment-resistant major depression.

Methods: Thirty patients with treatment-resistant major depression and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. The patients' serum BDNF and NGF levels were measured three times; before treatment (T0), when the clinical response occurred (T1) and at the end of treatment (T2).