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Hyperhomocysteinemia in bipolar depression: clinical and biochemical correlates

Agnieszka Permoda-Osip1, Jolanta Dorszewska, Maria Skibinska

  • 1Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.

Neuropsychobiology
|November 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine (HCY) is common in bipolar depression, particularly in men. Lower levels of folic acid, vitamin B12, and endothelial markers correlated with higher HCY, suggesting complex interactions in this patient group.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Depression is linked to elevated homocysteine (HCY) levels, and treatments reducing HCY show antidepressant effects.
  • Both depression and high HCY increase cardiovascular risk.
  • Endothelial dysfunction markers were investigated in relation to hyperhomocysteinemia in bipolar depression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate clinical and biochemical factors, including endothelial function markers, in patients with bipolar depression and hyperhomocysteinemia.
  • To determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in bipolar depressed patients during an acute episode.
  • To explore correlations between homocysteine levels and B vitamins, and endothelial function markers.

Main Methods:

  • Serum concentrations of homocysteine (HCY), vitamin B12, and folic acid were measured in 112 patients with bipolar depression.
  • Markers of endothelial function, E-selectin and ICAM-1, were assessed.
  • Patients were categorized based on hyperhomocysteinemia status (>15 mM).

Main Results:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia (45%) was more frequent in males (67%) than females (39%).
  • Older age was associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in female patients.
  • A significant inverse correlation was found between HCY levels and concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B12, E-selectin, and ICAM-1.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is prevalent in bipolar depressed patients during acute episodes.
  • The study confirms the correlation between elevated HCY and lower levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid.
  • An unexpected negative correlation between HCY and endothelial markers suggests complex pathophysiological roles requiring further investigation.
Abstract

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