The Relationship Between Serum Cytokine Levels and the Degree of Psychosis and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Methamphetamine-Associated Psychosis in Chinese Patients.

Cytokine levels can be changed in methamphetamine (METH) use disorders (MUDs) and primary psychosis. The present study assessed serum levels of some kinds of interleukins (ILs) in METH-associated psychosis (MAP) and their relationships with psychotic symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. Serum IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels were examined by chemiluminescence assays in MAP patients ( = 119) and healthy controls ( = 108). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) were administered. Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased in MAP patients (all < 0.05). There was a negative relationship between IL-2R levels and PANSS positive (P) subscale scores ( = -0.193, = 0.035). IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 levels were all negatively correlated with the naming, delayed recall and orientation subscores on the MOCA ( = -0.209, = 0.022; = -0.245, = 0.007; = -0.505, < 0.001, respectively). Our results indicate that immune disturbances are related to MAP and that IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 are associated with the severity of psychotic symptoms and cognitive function impairment.