However, in the MDD/SA group, levels of these cytokines significantly decreased over time [IL-6: b = − 0.04, 95% CI = (−0.08, −0.01), p = 0.0245; TNF-α: b = −0.02, 95% CI = (−0.04, −0.01), p = 0.0196]. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is major depressive disorder.