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Similar immune profile in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: selective increase in soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I and von Willebrand factor
Author(s) -
Hope Sigrun,
Melle Ingrid,
Aukrust Pål,
Steen Nils Eiel,
Birkenaes Astrid B,
Lorentzen Steinar,
Agartz Ingrid,
Ueland Thor,
Andreassen Ole A
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
bipolar disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.285
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1399-5618
pISSN - 1398-5647
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00757.x
Subject(s) - bipolar disorder , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , medicine , von willebrand factor , major depressive disorder , inflammation , psychology , endocrinology , psychiatry , amygdala , lithium (medication) , platelet
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.