In search of animal models of cytokine-induced depression

摘要

Interferon (IFN) is the only approved treatment for chronic hepatitis C, which affects millions of Americans. Hepatitis C frequently progresses to cirrhosis and is a leading cause of liver failure and the need for liver transplants. Although IFN is a promising and important treatment for several disorders, its side effect profile compromises its overall usefulness. Importantly, IFN induces a variety of neuropsychiatric and neurotoxic side effects, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, lethargy, confusion, and psychosis. Some patients develop full psychiatric syndromes, particularly depression, with rates of ~ 30-45% (Asnis and De La Garza, 2005; Asnis et al., 2003).