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BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that the mechanism of the antidepressant effect of celecoxib is linked to its anti-inflammatory action and particularly its inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin-6(IL-6)). We measured changes in serum IL-6 concentrations and depressive symptoms following administration of celecoxib in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, 40 patients with MDD and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale—17 items (Ham-D) score ≥18 were randomly assigned to either celecoxib (200mg twice daily) or placebo in addition to sertraline (200mg/day) for 6weeks. Outcome measures were serum IL-6 concentrations at baseline and week 6, and Ham-D scores at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6. RESULTS: The celecoxib group showed significantly greater reduction in serum IL-6 concentrations (mean …