Assessment of serum IP-10 and cystatin C levels in generalized anxiety disorder patients and their association with anxiety severity: a case-control study

Abstract

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common mental health disorder marked by persistent, excessive anxiety and physiological manifestations. This study examines the correlation between blood cytokine levels, specifically Cystatin C and IP-10, and the occurrence and severity of GAD. A total of 202 participants, comprising patients with GAD and healthy controls, were evaluated for body mass index (BMI), cytokine levels, and demographic variables. Statistical analysis indicated markedly increased levels of Cystatin C and IP-10 in patients with GAD relative to controls. Cytokine concentrations exhibited a strong correlation with disease severity, underscoring their possible involvement in the neuroinflammatory pathways associated with anxiety disorders. No notable variations in age or gender were detected between the groups, while BMI exhibited a substantial variance. The findings indicate that Cystatin C and IP-10 may function as biomarkers for the diagnosis and progression of GAD, providing novel insights into its pathophysiology and potential treatment targets. The limitations comprise the cross-sectional design and possible confounding variables, necessitating additional long-term studies.