Question

The best replicated immune findings in schizophrenia are: a. increased in vitro production of IL-2 and decreased serum levels of IL-6 b. decreased in vitro production of IL-2 and IFN- \(\gamma\) and decreased serum levels of IL-6 c. decreased in vitro production of IL-2 and IFN- \(\gamma\) and increased serum levels of IL-6 d. increased serum levels of IL-2 and IFN- \(\gamma\) and decreased in vitro production of IL-6 e. none of the above

Short answer

Answer: Option c (decreased in vitro production of IL-2 and IFN-γ, and increased serum levels of IL-6)

Step-by-step solution

Cytokine descriptions

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that primarily regulates the growth, proliferation, and survival of T-cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory actions, playing a role in the immune response, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is an important cytokine with diverse functionalities, such as activating macrophages and inducing the expression of other cytokines. Now we will summarize the options and determine the correct answer.

Option a

This option states that the best replicated immune findings in schizophrenia are increased in vitro production of IL-2 and decreased serum levels of IL-6.

Option b

Option b states that the best replicated immune findings in schizophrenia are decreased in vitro production of IL-2 and IFN-γ and decreased serum levels of IL-6.

Option c

This option states that the best replicated immune findings in schizophrenia are decreased in vitro production of IL-2 and IFN-γ and increased serum levels of IL-6.

Option d

Option d states that the best replicated immune findings in schizophrenia are increased serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ and decreased in vitro production of IL-6.

Option e

Option e states that none of the above options are correct.

Correct Answer

Based on existing research, the best replicated immune findings in schizophrenia are described in option c: decreased in vitro production of IL-2 and IFN-γ, and increased serum levels of IL-6. Therefore, the correct answer is option c.