"investigation of interleukin-4, interleukin-17, interferon gamma, white blood cell (WBC), eosinophil, neutrophil, and monocyte levels in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder"

Objectives: While conducting this research, we examined the role of interleukin-4, interleukin-17, interferon gamma, white blood cell (WBC), eosinophil, neutrophil and monocyte levels in the etiology of PTSD in people who developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relationship with sociodemographic and clinical features. In our study, we aimed to contribute to the potential role of inflammation in PTSD and therapeutic approaches. Material and Methods: In the study, 53 patients between the ages of 18-65 who applied to the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Psychiatry out patient clinic after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in 2023, diagnosed with PTSD according to the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, and 53 healthy control groups were randomly selected and included. Blood samples were taken from patients diagnosed with PTSD and the control group. Using ELISA kits, plasma, interleukin-4, interleukin-17, interferon gamma levels and complete blood count were studied, and white blood cell, eosinophil, neutrophil and monocyte levels were compared. Sociodemographic data form, clinical global impression scale, post-traumatic stress disorder short scale, Hamilton anxiety assessment scale, Hamilton depression assessment scale were applied to all participants. Findings: In our study, it was observed that there was no difference in interleukin-4, interleukin-17 and interferon gamma levels between the case and control groups, these markers were higher in working people, and the number of white blood cells and monocytes was higher in men. Additionally, in the case group compared to the control group; It has been observed that the number of people with lower education years, who are married, have children, work, smoke, have a family history of psychiatric illness, have lower income levels and have relatives with damaged homes is higher. Results: It was found that there was no statistical difference in interleukin-4, interleukin-17, and interferon gamma levels between the case and control groups; however, sociodemographic characteristics such as education level, marital status, having children, employment status, smoking, family history of psychiatric illness, economic status, and having a relative with a damaged home were observed to differ. It is suggested that identifying PTSD risk factors could guide early diagnosis and treatment strategies. KeyWords: Post-traumatic stress disorder, interleukin-4, interleukin-17, interferon gamma, sociodemographic characteristics.