Past Issues

Objectives: In this study, we intended to study the interrelationship between T helper (Th) 1, Th2, and Th17 in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods: In this study, we recruited 20 individuals with chronic schizophrenia and 20 healthy controls. The blood levels of fi ve cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17) were analyzed using bead-based multiplex immunoassay technique. The Th17/ Th1 balance was indicated by IL-17/IFN-γ and IL-17/TNF-α, Th17/Th2 balance IL-17/IL-6 and IL-17/IL-10, and Th1/Th2 balance IFN-γ/IL-6, IFN-γ/IL-10, TNF-α/IL-6, and TNF-α/IL-10. Results: The patients with chronic schizophrenia showed signifi cantly lower blood levels of IFN-γ (p < 0.05) and signifi cantly higher blood levels of IL-10 (p < 0.01) and IL-17 (p < 0.01). The group differences in ratios of Th17/Th1, Th17/Th2, and Th1/Th2 showed a signifi cantly increased ratio of IL-17/IFN-γ (p < 0.001) and decreased ratios of IFN-γ/IL-6 (p = 0.001) and IFN-γ/IL-10 (p < 0.001) in patients with chronic schizophrenia. The other cytokine ratios did not show signifi cant between-group differences. Conclusion: The patients with chronic schizophrenia had increased blood levels of Th2 cytokine (IL-10) and Th17 cytokine (IL17), and decreased blood levels of Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ). The ratios of Th17/Th1, Th17/Th2, and Th1/Th2 showed dampened Th1 along with Th2- and Th17-slanted immune response. The complex immunological characteristics in chronic schizophrenia warrant further research.