Work

Exploratory inflammatory profiles in patients with depressive disorders and a history of cancer considering alcohol consumption

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Psychiatric disorders, including recurrent unipolar depression and bipolar disorder, are associated with increased cancer risk and premature mortality. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and immune dysregulation may underlie these associations. OBJECTIVES: This exploratory study investigated whether inflammatory and neuroplasticity-related biomarkers differ according to cancer history and alcohol abstinence in patients with AUD and depressive disorders. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 172 patients from a French clinical cohort, including 53 participants with longitudinal inflammatory and neuroplasticity biomarkers assessed over six months. RESULTS: Among the study sample (mean age: 45.7 years; 134 men/38 women), 12.8% had cancer history, predominantly ear, nose and throat (27.3%) and breast cancers (22.7%), with psychiatric diagnoses preceding cancer onset by approximately 15 years. IL-8 (Interleukin-8) levels were significantly higher in participants with cancer history and depressive disorders, independently of alcohol abstinence, suggesting a stable cancer-associated inflammatory signature. In contrast, TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha) levels varied according to alcohol abstinence status over time, distinguishing abstinent from non-abstinent individuals independently of cancer history. BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels did not differ according to cancer history or abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that distinct inflammatory pathways may characterize cancer history and alcohol abstinence in patients with AUD and depressive disorders. IL-8 and TNF-α may represent candidate biomarkers associated with cancer-associated inflammation and alcohol abstinence status, respectively. Given the small cancer subgroup, these results should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Future studies integrating genetic, epigenetic, and molecular markers are needed to refine these associations and support personalized approaches.

Source: General Hospital Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2026.05.007

Authors: Théodore Vinais, Brigitte Plansont, Alexis Parenté, Philippe Nubukpo, Aurélie Lacroix

Institutions: Inserm, Centre Hospitalier Esquirol de Limoges, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de Limoges

Language: English

Topic: Tryptophan and brain disorders

Subfield: Biological Psychiatry

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,720