Similar immune profile in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: selective increase in soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I and von Willebrand factor.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Alterations in the inflammatory system have been associated with schizophrenia and major depression, while bipolar disorder has been less studied. Most previous studies examined small samples, and the literature is inconsistent with regard to specific underlying immune mechanisms. In the present study, we examined markers representing different inflammatory pathways, and the aim was to investigate whether the levels of inflammatory parameters in a representative sample of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are elevated compared to healthy controls, and to investigate whether the inflammatory profile is different between the groups.

METHODS:

Plasma levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), soluble CD40L ligand (sCD40L), and von Willebrand factor (vWf) were measured with ELISA techniques in a catchment area based sample of consecutively referred patients with severe mental disorders [N = 311, comprising bipolar disorder (n = 125) and schizophrenia (n = 186)] and in healthy volunteers (n = 244).

RESULTS:

Plasma levels of sTNF-R1 and vWf were statistically significantly increased in both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia compared to controls (p < 0.00001), and were also increased in unmedicated patients, but there were no major differences between the two diagnostic groups. Controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, cardiovascular disorders, kidney and liver function, and other confounders did not affect the results. There were no differences in other inflammation factors between the groups.

CONCLUSION:

The present results indicate specific alterations of endothelium-related inflammation processes in both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

• Authors: Sigrun Hope, Ingrid Melle, Pål Aukrust, Nils Eiel Steen, Astrid B Birkenaes, Steinar Lorentzen, Ingrid Agartz, Thor Ueland, Ole A Andreassen
• Journal: Bipolar disorders (Bipolar Disord) Vol. 11 Issue 7 Pg. 726-34 (Nov 2009) ISSN: 1399-5618 [Electronic] Denmark
• PMID: 19839997 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein
• Interleukin-6
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• von Willebrand Factor
• CD40 Ligand
• C-Reactive Protein

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Bipolar Disorder (blood, immunology)
• C-Reactive Protein (metabolism)
• CD40 Ligand (blood)
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (blood)
• Interleukin-6 (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Schizophrenia (blood, immunology)
• Statistics, Nonparametric
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (blood)
• Young Adult
• von Willebrand Factor (metabolism)