Dysregulation Of IL-10 Expression In Patients With Schizophrenia: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study.

Abstract

Introduction:

Schizophrenia is increasingly linked to immune system dysregulation and inflammation. IL-10 plays a crucial role in immune response modulation, but its function in schizophrenia remains unclear. This hospital-based case-control study investigates IL-10 expression in schizophrenia patients and its association with psychotic symptoms, measured by PANSS scores, aiming to provide new insights into its role in the disorder.

Methods:

Forty-two drug-naive schizophrenia cases and thirty-five age and sex-matched healthy participants were enrolled with appropriate consent. IL-10 gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR assay, and serum IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA method. Severity of psychotic symptoms was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results:

The mean age at disease onset was 21.8 ± 4.6 years. Schizophrenia cases exhibited a 1.5-fold increase in IL-10 mRNA expression (p=0.004) but lower serum IL-10 levels compared to controls (p<0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between IL-10 levels and negative symptoms (r=0.503, p=0.001), general psychopathology (r=0.312, p=0.04), and total PANSS scores (r=0.459, p=0.002). Partial correlation analysis, controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, and age of disease onset, revealed significant positive associations between IL-10 levels and negative symptom scores (r=0.441, p=0.006) and total PANSS scores (r=0.415, p=0.01).

Conclusion:

This study highlights the role of IL-10 dysregulation in schizophrenia, with increased mRNA expression but lower serum levels in patients. The significant correlation between IL-10 levels and psychotic symptoms, particularly negative symptoms, suggests its involvement in disease pathophysiology. These findings underscore the need for further research into IL-10 as a therapeutic target to address immune dysfunction and improve treatment outcomes in schizophrenia.