• Chad D Rethorst, Jan Moynihan, Jeffrey M Lyness, Kathi L Heffner, and Benjamin P Chapman.
• Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390. chad_rethorst@utsouthwestern.edu
• Psychosom Med. 2011 Apr 1;73(3):265-9.

ObjectiveTo determine whether the relationship between interleukin (IL)-6 and depressive symptoms is moderated by participation in moderate-intensity physical activity in a sample of primary care patients. Elevated inflammation has been associated with a number of poor health outcomes. Depressive symptoms may be related to higher levels of the inflammatory marker IL-6; however, previous findings are inconsistent, possibly due to unidentified moderating factors.MethodsA total of 107 participants, aged ≥ 40 years, were recruited in Rochester, New York, in 2006 to 2007. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised, participation in moderate-intensity physical activity was measured using a modified version of the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults, and serum IL-6 concentrations were determined using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay protocols and high-sensitivity, anti-cytokine antibody pairs. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted.ResultsThe correlation between IL-6 and depressive symptoms was nonsignificant (r = .086, p = .40). The association between IL-6 and depressive symptoms was moderated by participation in moderate-intensity physical activity (p = .02). Among those who did not engage in moderate-intensity physical activity, higher levels of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with higher levels of IL-6 (r = .28, p = .05), whereas this association was not significant among those who did participate in moderate-intensity physical activity (r = -.13, p = .38).ConclusionParticipation in moderate-intensity physical activity may buffer the risk of higher inflammation often associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms.

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