Background: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by positive (e.g., hallucinations and delusions), negative (e.g., apathy and impaired motivation), and cognitive symptoms (e.g., poor performance in executive functions and attention). Interleukin-2( IL-2) has been one of the most frequently studied cytokines in schizophrenia. Several studies have pointed to a potential role of IL-2 in SZ,with most studies reporting altered peripheral levels of IL-2 when compared with healthy controls.
Aim of work: The aim of this work is to determine serum level of interlukin-2 in a sample of schizophrenic patients. Also to compare the serum levels of IL-2 in schizophrenic patients and healthy controls and to investigate a possible correlation with positive and negative symptoms of. Methods: This analytic (case control) study included thirty patients with schizophrenia and a similar number of normal healthy individuals as control group. Both groups were subjected to a semi structured interview, SCID, PANSS and serum level of IL-2.