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Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
Selfish brain and neuroprogression in bipolar disorder
Rodrigo B Mansur1, Danielle S Cha, Elson Asevedo
1Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences (LINC), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. rodrigomansur71@uol.com.br
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|December 26, 2012
Summary
Bipolar disorder (BD) increases mortality via metabolic issues. The "selfish brain" theory suggests the brain prioritizes its energy needs, potentially explaining these metabolic complications in BD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Bipolar disorder (BD) is linked to higher mortality rates, primarily due to metabolic complications.
- The general population experiences fewer metabolic issues compared to individuals with BD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of the "selfish brain" theory in understanding metabolic abnormalities in bipolar disorder.
- To provide a framework for investigating the link between central nervous system (CNS) energy demands and peripheral metabolic dysregulation in BD.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual framework analysis applying the "selfish brain" theory to bipolar disorder.
- Review of neurobiological mechanisms underlying mood episodes in BD and their metabolic consequences.
- Exploration of the CNS's role in modulating peripheral energy metabolism.
Main Results:
- Mood episodes in BD, particularly manic ones, are neurotoxic, involving neurotransmitter release (dopamine, glutamate), oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Neurotoxicity and cell damage during mood episodes necessitate increased energy supply for brain repair.
- The "selfish brain" theory offers a heuristic model to explain how the brain's energy prioritization contributes to metabolic complications in BD.
Conclusions:
- The "selfish brain" theory provides valuable insights into the development of metabolic abnormalities in bipolar disorder.
- Understanding this neuro-metabolic interplay may lead to novel strategies for preventing and treating metabolic complications in BD patients.
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