Could soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 be associated with state affective symptomatology in healthy adults?

Introduction Immune parameters are frequently associated with mood disorders and affective temperaments. In our study, we investigate the role of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in affective temperaments and mood symptoms in healthy adults. Methods Healthy adults were screened for psychiatric disorders using the non-patient version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-I and II. Affective temperaments were evaluated with Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). State mood symptoms were assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Serum sICAM-1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results We identified no association between sICAM-1 levels and affective temperament scores. We identified correlation between sICAM-1 levels and manic symptoms measured by YMRS. Furthermore, sICAM-1 was a significant predictor of manic symptoms in a linear regression model with age, gender, BMI and smoking habits as confounding variables. Conclusions Our findings suggest that sICAM-1 could be a relevant immune factor for severity of state affective symptoms and could contribute to better understanding of complexity of affective disorders.