Circulating cathelicidin LL-37 level is increased in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder

More and more data seems to imply that immune mechanisms are involved in the pathomechanism of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the primary role of cathelicidin LL-37 is defense against pathogens, more and more data indicated that this peptide strongly modulates immune system functioning and contributes to immune pathology of chronic and inflammatory diseases. No data is available on the level of LL-37 in bipolar patients. The aim of the study was to examine the circulating levels of cathelicidin LL-37 in euthymic patients with BD. Forty patients with BD and fifty-nine healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study. Concentration of LL-37 in serum was assessed using immunoenzymatic test ELISA. The mean LL-37 concentration in bipolar patients and in healthy subjects were 4.60 ± 7.65 ng/mL and 1.92 ± 2.89 ng/mL, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.035). Within the BD group LL-37 level was significantly higher in women than in men (p = 0.045). The evaluation of serum LL-37 concentration during stable 8 week treatment indicated that at baseline (T1) mean level of LL-37 was 5.82 ± 10.59 ng/mL; and after treatment (T2) was 4.33 ± 5.87 ng/mL; the difference between T1 and T2 was not significant. Elevated serum levels of LL-37 in bipolar patients may suggest the role of this peptide in the pathomechanism of BD.