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Elevated homocysteine levels in euthymic bipolar disorder patients showing functional deterioration
Yamima Osher1, Ben-Ami Sela, Joseph Levine
1Stanley Research Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel.
In euthymic bipolar patients, elevated plasma homocysteine levels are linked to functional deterioration, particularly in males. This finding suggests homocysteine may be a biomarker for illness severity in bipolar disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Previous research indicates elevated plasma homocysteine in schizophrenia.
- Homocysteine, an amino acid, plays a role in various biological processes.
- Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition affecting mood regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma homocysteine levels in euthymic bipolar disorder patients.
- To explore the relationship between homocysteine levels and functional status in bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- Compared homocysteine levels in 41 euthymic bipolar patients with 305 controls.
- Assessed homocysteine using high-pressure liquid chromatography.
- Rated functional deterioration by clinician consensus.
Main Results:
- Male bipolar patients showed higher homocysteine than controls.
- Female bipolar patients had lower homocysteine than controls, increasing with age.
- Among males, those with functional deterioration had significantly higher homocysteine than controls.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma homocysteine is associated with functional deterioration in bipolar disorder patients.
- Homocysteine may serve as a potential biomarker for illness severity in bipolar disorder.
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