A Novel Cytokine Inhibitor Effectively Treats Depression

Increased concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), have been associated with major depression. Some investigators have suggested that reducing these concentrations might improve depression, but no studies exist. Improvements in fatigue and depressive symptoms were secondary endpoints in a manufacturer-funded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial that examined the effect of etanercept — a soluble TNF-α receptor that competitively inhibits TNF-α effects — among 618 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Patients received twice-weekly injections of etanercept (50 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. Baseline depression was minimal to mild in over 80% of patients (incidence of moderate-to-severe depressi…