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Association between GSK3β gene and increased impulsivity in bipolar disorder
Esther Jiménez1, Bárbara Arias2, Marina Mitjans2
1Bipolar Disorder Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Summary
Genetic variations in the GSK3β gene are linked to higher impulsivity in bipolar disorder patients, even during remission. This finding may influence understanding of illness course and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Bipolar disorder patients exhibit elevated impulsivity, negatively affecting illness progression and prognosis.
- Lithium (Li) is known to reduce impulsivity, potentially through inhibition of glycogen synthetase kinase-3 (GSK3) isoenzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between genetic variants in GSK3α and GSK3β genes and impulsivity levels in bipolar disorder patients.
- To explore the impact of genetic variability on attentional impulsivity in a Caucasian bipolar outpatient sample.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of four polymorphisms in GSK3α and GSK3β genes in 199 Caucasian bipolar outpatients.
- Impulsivity assessment using the BIS-11 scale.
- Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and haplotype analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Carriage of T allele at rs1732170-GSK3β and G allele at rs334558-GSK3β was associated with increased attentional impulsivity.
- These associations were confirmed through haplotype analysis.
- Genetic variability within the GSK3β gene was significantly linked to heightened impulsivity.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variations in the GSK3β gene are associated with increased impulsivity in individuals with bipolar disorder.
- These findings contribute to understanding the genetic underpinnings of impulsivity in bipolar disorder.
- Further research may explore GSK3β as a potential therapeutic target for managing impulsivity in bipolar disorder.
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