Expression Of Neurotransmitters And Cytokines In Peripheral Blood Of Rheumatoid Arthritis With Depression

Objective:To explore the significance of peripheral blood neurotransmitters(5-HT,DA)and cytokines(IL-6,IL-9)in patients with depression associated with RA.Methods:According to the PHQ-9 Depression Scale,70 RA patients were divided into two groups:non-depressed group(36 patients)and depression group(34 patients).Both groups of patients completed the general questionnaire,while the two groups of patients took peripheral blood on an empty stomach in the morning.Determination of 5-HT and DA in plasma by UPLC-MS/MS method;determination of serum IL-6 by chemiluminescence method;determination of serum IL-9 and anti-CCP antibodies by ELISA;determination of serum CD4~+and CD8~+T cells by flow cytometry;determination of serum ESR by Wei's method;determination of serum CRP and RF by rate turbidity turbidimetry;determination of serum lymphocyte counts by electrical impedance method.Result:(1)Comparison of5-HT and DA levels:5-HT and DA in the depression group were higher than those in the non-depression group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(2)Comparison of IL-6 and IL-9 levels:IL-6 was significantly higher in the depression group than in the non-depression group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);IL-9 was higher in the non-depressed group than in the depression group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(3)Comparison of T cell subsets:The CD8~+T cell count in the depression group was significantly higher than that in the non-depression group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);CD4~+T cell counts were not statistically significant in the two groups(P>0.05).(4)Comparison of the general situation:The ESR,CRP,number of tender joints,number of swollen joints,VAS pain score,DAS28,duration of disease,and degree of education(below high school)were statistically significant in the two groups(P<0.05).(5)Multivariate logistic regression analysis:IL-6,CD8~+T cell count,number of tender joints,and degree of education were associated with RA with depression.Conclusion:1.There was no significant change in the expression levels of 5-HT and DA in peripheral blood of patients with RA.2.The expression of IL-6 in peripheral blood of patients with RA was significantly increased,while the expression level of IL-9 was not significantly changed.3.The CD8~+T cell count in peripheral blood of patients with RA was significantly increased.4.RA patients with depression and low-education patients;RA with depression patients with long course of RA,number of tender joints and swollen joints,ESR,CRP,VAS pain score and DAS28 high.5.The IL-6,CD8~+T cell count,number of tender joints,and education level were associated with high incidence of RA with depression.