Low plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) associated with completed suicide

Abstract

Objectives. Immunological differences have previously been associated with depression and suicidal behaviour. Several cytokines have been identified as potentially important in understanding the pathophysiology of mood disorders and suicidality. Here we aimed to identify new inflammatory biomarkers for suicide prediction. Methods. Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL) 1-a , IL1-b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon-gamma (IFNG), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in 58 suicide attempters with a high throughput automated biochip immunoassay system. Patients were evaluated using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Suicide Intent Scale (SIS). All patients were followed up for cause of death. Results. We found significantly lower levels of VEGF in the seven patients who upon a mean follow-up of 13 years were found to have completed suicide. VEGF also showed a trend for negative correlation with the planning subscale of SIS. A trend could be shown for lower IL-2 and for higher IFNG levels in suicide victims. Conclusions. Our study provides further support for a role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of suicidality. VEGF may be related with suicide risk.

Key words::

• VEGF
• IFNG
• suicide
• depression
• cytokines

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Dr Kaj Forslund for clinical assessments. Funding for this study was provided by the Swedish Research Council (Project number K2009-61P-21304-04-4; K2009-61X-21305-01-1).

Statement of Interest

None to declare.