Alterations of Lipid-Lipoprotein and Leptin in Bipolar Disorder Associated with Clinic Process

Obesity is more common among patients with bipolar disorder as compared to normal population. There are studies showing increased leptin levels in obese patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations in leptin levels, body mass index (BMI), and lipid-lipoprotein levels during manic period, as well as during euthymic period, after one month in patients with bipolar disorder.

Thirty-one adult patients, who had been hospitalized in the psychiatry clinic because of manic period of bipolar disorder, were included in the present study. Serum leptin and lipid-lipoprotein levels and BMI of the patients were analyzed both on the first day and 30th day of hospitalization after they became euthymic.

Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly increased in male patients (p<.05). The increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C levels was not significant in female patients (p=.066 and p=.056, respectively). BMI was significantly, but slightly increased in both genders (.56±.14 kg/m²), however, such a change was not observed in serum leptin levels.

Results of the present study demonstrated that clinical improvement in bipolar patients showed different association in each gender with the alterations in BMI and serum lipid and/or lipoprotein levels. Such an alteration might have resulted from direct or indirect effect of drugs, as well as from lifestyle changes.