IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease whose presentation is dependent on host defenses, whereas neuroimmune disregulations are a feature of major depressive disorder (MDD). There are complex interactions between the immune and nervous systems; Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-a) has been shown to play a role in the pathophysiology of both TB and MDD. These diseases are prevalent in Mexico, however there is scant research addressing their comorbidity and related immune mechanisms.ObjectivesEvaluate differences in TNF-a levels and quality of life between subjects with TB and/or MDD.MethodsThirty-seven subjects (MDD = 10, TB = 9, TB + MDD = 8, controls = 10) were recruited. Instruments used were the SCID-I, Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Depression Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life survey. A blood sample was obtained from each subject to assess percentage of mononuclear cells positive for TNF-a, using an intracellular cytokines assay.ResultsHighest mean levels of TNF-a were found in the comorbid TB + MDD group (X = 10.46, DE = 14.59) while the control group had the lowest levels (X = 3.26, DE = 4.93). However, when comparing all groups, no statistically significant differences were found. Mean quality of life scores were lower in the MDD (X = 65.6, DE = 5.4) and TB + MDD (X = 66.2, DE = 14.5) groups. When comparing all groups, there were significant differences between TB vs. MDD (p = 0.013), TB vs. TB + MDD (p = 0.004) and MDD vs. control (p = 0.0002) groups.ConclusionsNo significant differences across groups were found regarding TNF-a levels, while subjects with MDD and TB + MDD showed a worse quality of life.
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