Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
04:42
Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
TNF-alpha as a molecular target in bipolar disorder
Elisa Brietzke1, Flávio Kapczinski
1Bipolar Disorder Program and Molecular Psychiatry Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) may drive neuronal loss in bipolar disorder (BD). Elevated TNF-alpha levels during mood episodes suggest it
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Immunology
Background:
- Bipolar disorder (BD) pathophysiology remains unclear.
- Neuroplasticity, cell resilience, and neuronal survival impairments are linked to BD.
- Inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-alpha, are implicated in BD neuropathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking TNF-alpha to apoptotic cascades in BD.
- To explore the role of TNF-alpha in neuronal and glial loss in BD.
- To examine therapeutic implications of TNF-alpha signaling in BD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on TNF-alpha and BD.
- Analysis of evidence for TNF-alpha's role in apoptosis.
- Examination of serum TNF-alpha levels during BD episodes.
Main Results:
- TNF-alpha may regulate apoptotic pathways.
- Increased serum TNF-alpha levels observed during manic and depressive episodes.
- Evidence suggests TNF-alpha contributes to neuronal and glial loss in BD.
Conclusions:
- TNF-alpha is a potential key player in bipolar disorder pathophysiology.
- Targeting TNF-alpha signaling pathways may offer therapeutic benefits for BD.
- Further research into TNF-alpha's role is crucial for understanding and treating BD.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
01:24Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as a...
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
01:14Brain Imaging
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...