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Differential changes in apolipoprotein E in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder
Alison Digney1, Dahlia Keriakous, Elizabeth Scarr
1Rebecca L. Cooper Research Laboratories, The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Biological Psychiatry
|April 12, 2005
Summary
Apolipoprotein E (apoE) levels are altered in specific brain regions in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder (BID). These findings suggest apoE may play a role in the pathology of these mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Previous research indicated elevated apolipoprotein E (apoE) in Brodmann's area 9 in schizophrenia patients.
- The current study investigates apoE alterations in additional brain regions and in bipolar I disorder (BID).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if apoE levels are altered in other brain regions beyond Brodmann's area 9.
- To investigate apoE changes in post-mortem brains of individuals with bipolar I disorder.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of apoE levels using Western blotting.
- Analysis of apoE in Brodmann's areas 9, 10, 40, 46, and the caudate putamen.
- Comparison of apoE levels in control, schizophrenia, and BID subjects.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia showed increased apoE in BA9 and BA46.
- Bipolar I disorder exhibited increased apoE in the caudate putamen and BA9, but decreased apoE in BA10.
- Significant regional differences in apoE levels were observed between patient groups and controls.
Conclusions:
- The study identified disease-specific, region-dependent changes in apoE levels in schizophrenia and BID.
- Altered apolipoprotein levels are implicated in the neuropathology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- These findings support the hypothesis linking apolipoprotein dysregulation to psychiatric disorders.