Academia Open
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): December

Neuro-inflammation and Serum Cytokine Levels in Schizophrenia Patients

Ahmed Abbas Barh Aljamah (Arak University, Faculty of sciences, Department of cellular and Molecular Biology)
Majid Komijani (Arak University, Faculty of sciences, Department of cellular and Molecular Biology)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Nov 2025

Abstract

General Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic and multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by disturbances in cognition, emotion, and behavior, affecting approximately one percent of the global population. Specific Background: Recent studies have increasingly implicated neuroinflammation and immune system dysregulation, particularly involving cytokines, in the pathophysiology of SCZ. However, the specific roles and interactions of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) remain unclear. Knowledge Gap: Limited empirical data exist on how these cytokines correlate with clinical characteristics and demographic factors in SCZ, especially regarding gender differences and their potential as biomarkers. Aims: This study aimed to assess serum levels of IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in SCZ patients compared to healthy controls using ELISA and to analyze their interrelationships. Results: Findings revealed significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in SCZ patients (p<0.0001), with IL-8 levels notably elevated in female patients. Novelty: This research highlights IL-8 as a gender-sensitive biomarker of neuroinflammation in SCZ, contributing to the understanding of immune involvement in its pathogenesis. Implications: The results suggest that cytokine profiling may aid in identifying inflammatory subtypes of SCZ and support the development of targeted immunomodulatory therapies.Highlight : The study confirms elevated IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α levels in SCZ patients compared to controls. Results suggest that SCZ involves neuro-inflammatory processes linked to immune system activation. Cytokines may serve as useful biomarkers for developing targeted therapeutic strategies in SCZ. Keywords : Schizophrenia (SCZ), Neuroinflammation, IL-8, IL-10, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α)

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acopen

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Academia Open is published by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo published 2 (two) issues per year (June and December). This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. This ...