Open AccessRole of Protein Kinase C in Bipolar Disorder: A Review of the Current Literature
Author(s) -
Ashwini Saxena,
Giselli Scaini,
Daniela Vicente Bavaresco,
Camila Ferreira Leite,
Samira S. Valvassori,
André F. Carvalho,
João Quevedo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
complex psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2673-3005
pISSN - 2673-298X
DOI - 10.1159/000480349
Subject(s) - protein kinase c , bipolar disorder , context (archaeology) , neuroscience , medicine , psychology , kinase , cognition , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , paleontology
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a major health problem. It causes significant morbidity and imposes a burden on the society. Available treatments help a substantial proportion of patients but are not beneficial for an estimated 40-50%. Thus, there is a great need to further our understanding the pathophysiology of BD to identify new therapeutic avenues. The preponderance of evidence pointed towards a role of protein kinase C (PKC) in BD. We reviewed the literature pertinent to the role of PKC in BD. We present recent advances from preclinical and clinical studies that further support the role of PKC. Moreover, we discuss the role of PKC on synaptogenesis and neuroplasticity in the context of BD. The recent development of animal models of BD, such as stimulant-treated and paradoxical sleep deprivation, and the ability to intervene pharmacologically provide further insights into the involvement of PKC in BD. In addition, the effect of PKC inhibitors, such as tamoxifen, in the resolution of manic symptoms in patients with BD further points in that direction. Furthermore, a wide variety of growth factors influence neurotransmission through several molecular pathways that involve downstream effects of PKC. Our current understanding identifies the PKC pathway as a potential therapeutic avenue for BD.