Major Depressive Disorder Enhances Th2 and Th17 Cytokines in Patients Suffering from Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Major depressive disorder (MDD) can impact the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma (AA). Here, we evaluated the cytokine production by T-cells from AR and AA patients with or without MDD. The effect of serotonin on the in vitro T-cell response was also evaluated. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The cytokines produced by activated T-cells were measured by Luminex and flow cytometry. In some cell cultures, serotonin was added. <b><i>Results:</i></b> MDD not only enhanced the production of Th2- and Th17-related cytokines, but also, the levels of interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-17 were directly correlated with the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. As compared with AR, the levels of IL-17 were higher and the release of IL-10 was lower in activated T-cell cultures from AA patients, mainly those with MDD. In AA/MDD patients, the severity of anxiety symptoms and lung disease was directly correlated with Th17-like and hybrid Th2/Th17 cells, but inversely correlated with IL-10-secreting CD4<sup>+</sup> T-cells. Finally, the addition of serotonin reduced the production of Th2- and Th17-related cytokines, but elevated IL-10 secretion in cell cultures from both AR and AA patients. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our findings suggest that not only the occurrence of MDD but also the severity of anxiety symptoms, may adversely affect the outcome of allergic reactions by favoring the production of cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of AR and AA, a phenomenon that was attenuated by serotonin.

Chronic allergic lung inflammation negatively influences neurobehavioral outcomes in mice

“…An association between IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and VEGF levels and the severity of depression have been reported [ 35 ]. Additionally, IL-5 and IL-17 production by T-cells from allergic asthma patients are reported to be positively associated with the severity of major depressive disorders [ 36 ]. In the current study, the amount of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ in the serum of HDM-sensitized mice were significantly higher than PBS control mice, demonstrating that chronic nasal HDM administration leads to systemic increases in these pro-inflammatory and Th2-related cytokines that are potentially associated with depression.…”

Crosstalk between ILC2s and Th2 CD4+ T Cells in Lung Disease

“…Major depressive disorder promotes the production of Th2- and Th17-related cytokines in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, which could be inhibited by 5-hydroxytryptamine treatment. Mechanistically, IL-5 and IL-17 levels are strongly correlated with the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms [ 74 ].…”

Allergic Rhinitis and Depression: Profile and Proposal

“…However, some animal studies on abnormal brain responses secondary to nasal immune-inflammatory responses after AR have been reported, and it has been suggested that brain regions such as hippocampus, cortex, and olfactory bulb are closely related to the development of mental disorders in AR animals ( 35 – 37 ). Along with the achievements in animal model studies, some authors have also conducted relevant experiments using blood samples and cells from depressed patients and AR patients, and confirmed the correlation between the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine and the cytokines secreted by T lymphocytes during an allergic reaction ( 38 ).…”