Larisa Boronin

Introduction

This study investigates the relationship between immune dysregulation and perinatal mental disorders by analyzing clinical data and biomarker profiles in pregnant individuals with varying severity of psychiatric symptoms. Understanding these associations may support the development of early screening tools and targeted interventions to improve maternal and infant mental health outcomes.

Material and methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus, covering studies published through 2025. Key proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, IL-8, and IL-10, were extracted from peer-reviewed articles. When numerical values were unavailable, data were estimated from published figures using digitization tools. Extracted data were standardized and analyzed using Python (Pandas, Matplotlib). Statistical procedures included correlation analysis, ROC curve modelling, and ANOVA testing to assess group differences and diagnostic performance of biomarkers.

Results

Analysis revealed strong associations between cytokine levels and perinatal depressive symptoms. In one dataset, nine cytokines were inversely correlated with postpartum depression severity (Pearson r = –0.79, p = 0.004; Spearman rₛ = –0.87, p = 0.00085; Kendall τ = –0.72, p = 0.0031), and ANOVA confirmed significant group differences (F = 5.8, p = 0.022). Other studies reported elevated IL-6 and TNF-α levels in postpartum depression (p < 0.05). Co-expression of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α was very high (r = 0.9991, p = 0.00006), likely reflecting cytokine collinearity and limited sample size, with ANOVA indicating significant elevation in affected individuals (F = 45.42, p = 0.0151). ROC analyses identified IL-8, IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α as reliable markers of perinatal depression and psychosis. Tryptophan metabolites and MCP-1 were more specific for psychosis, while IFN-γ showed a regulatory rather than a diagnostic function.

Conclusions

Perinatal mental disorders are associated with significant immune alterations. IL-6, IL-8, IL-2, and TNF-α appear to play a central role in the pathophysiology of postpartum depression. The findings support the utility of cytokine profiling for early detection and differential diagnosis of perinatal psychiatric conditions.

Introduction

Post-stroke depression (PSD) and anxiety are common neuropsychiatric sequelae of stroke, occurring in roughly one-third of survivors. Cognitive impairment is also frequently observed, affecting up to half of stroke patients. These conditions adversely impact rehabilitation and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Material and methods

We conducted an observational study involving 99 patients with acute ischemic stroke, assessed within approximately two weeks of symptom onset, who were admitted to a tertiary care unit. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales, supplemented by the clinician-rated Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) and Anxiety (HAM-A) scales. Cognitive status was evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Descriptive statistics (proportions, means ± SD) were used to summarize the prevalence and severity of each condition.

Results

The cohort had a mean age of 64.8  ±  8.1 years and was 63.5% male. Vascular risk factors were prevalent, with 88% of patients having hypertension and 33% having diabetes. Based on patient-reported measures, 16% of patients exhibited moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10), while 42% reported moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10). Clinician-administered assessments identified 35% of patients with moderate to severe depression (HAM-D ≥17) and 35% with clinically significant anxiety (HAM-A ≥18). The vast majority of patients (~92%) reported at least mild depressive symptoms, although only 0–1% met the criteria for severe depression.

Conclusions

Depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits are highly prevalent in the acute phase of ischemic stroke, with approximately one in three patients experiencing clinically significant depression or anxiety and one in four exhibiting cognitive impairment. These findings underscore the importance of early neuropsychological assessment and intervention as part of acute stroke care to improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Introduction

Elevated or imbalanced levels of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation are often observed in various somatic pathologies and mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

Purpose of the study

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms of pathogenesis and the evidence supporting the use of niacin skin and oral tests in patients with schizophrenia.

Materials and methods

A literature review was conducted on the specific reactions to the niacin skin or oral test in patients with schizophrenia, first-episode psychosis, and those at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P). Evidence-based data up to and including 2024 were reviewed, with 48 literary sources selected.

Results

An attenuated niacin-induced flush, coupled with low vitamin B3 levels, an imbalance in the Redox-Ratio and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids, and elevated phospholipase A2 levels, are the main evidence-based findings associated with schizophrenia.

Conclusions

The niacin skin and oral tests in patients with schizophrenia and those at high risk for psychosis are characterized by an abnormal response to niacin. Additional markers may further validate positive test results for niacin.