Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the relationship between symptom severity and cytokine levels in patients with tic disorders by evaluating these parameters at baseline and after a one-year follow-up. METHODS: A total of 44 tic disorder patients were recruited, 35 completed baseline assessments, and 20 completed endpoint assessments after one year. Based on changes in Yale Global Tic Severity Scale scores, patients were categorized into 'improved' and 'persistent' groups. Cytokine levels were measured using a Luminex(Ⓡ) human cytokine multiplex assay at both time points. RESULTS: Significant increases were found in interferon (IFN)-α2, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 p40, IL-12 p70, and IL-13, while IL-1ra and IL-4 levels decreased. Changes in IFN-γ levels showed significant correlations with tic severity, with higher endpoint levels being linked to symptom worsening. Baseline IL-5 levels were significantly higher in the improved group compared to the persistent group. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the potential of IFN-γ and IL-5 as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in tic disorders. The findings suggest that these cytokines could be instrumental in assessing tic disorder severity and developing targeted therapies. Further research involving larger cohorts is needed to validate these findings and explore cytokine-targeted therapies for tic disorders.