IL-1β, IL-6, and QUIN were significantly associated with depression severity and/or higher odds of having an EPDS ≥ 13.IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, TNF, TRY, SERO, KYN, KYNA, PICO, rKT, rQK, and rQP were not significantly associated with depressive symptoms. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is major depressive disorder.