Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate plasma concentrations of four pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL17a, IL6, TNFα and IL12p70) in patients with myocardial infarction and to analyse them according to presence of depression observed during first 6 months after myocardial infarction.

Methods:
In 44 patients with the first acute STEMI (ST segment elevation myocardial infarction) plasma levels of IL17a, IL6, TNFα and IL12p70 were measured on the 3rd and 5th day after the MI. Cytokine concentrations were analyzed according to the presence of depression during 6 months of observation.

Results:
Two groups of patients distinguished according to presence of depression during 6 months of observation differed in their inflammatory reaction to MI. In the depression group all four cytokines on the 3rd day after the MI were elevated compared to control and on the 5th day two of them: IL17a and IL6 were still elevated. In the group without depression on the 3rd day only two of four investigated cytokines were elevated and on the 5th day only IL6 concentration remained higher.

Conclusions:
It can be assumed that more pronounced inflammatory response as an element of stress reaction after MI can predispose to depression. IL17a increase can play particularly important role in this process.