Exploration of the Relationship Between Inflammation and Integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier in Suicidal Behaviour

Recent studies have revealed an association between history of suicide attempt and inflammatory markers in both the cerebrospinal fluid and the plasma. Post mortem studies have shown an increase in microglial activation in the brain tissue of suicide victims. However the relationship between peripheral and central inflammation in suicide is probably mediated by complex biological processes that are yet elucidated. An increase of blood S100B levels (biomarker of neurovascular damage; PMID 14530574) has been reported in adolescents with suicidal ideation vs. controls and independently of psychiatric disorder. The investigators hypothesize that peripheral inflammation may alter BBB which normally acts as a filter to ensure proper neuronal functioning in suicidal vs. non suicidal patients.