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Polygenic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in relation to cardiovascular biomarkers

Elina J Reponen1, Thor Ueland2,3,4, Jaroslav Rokicki5,6

  • 1NORMENT, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Nydalen, P.O. Box 4956, N- 0424, Oslo, Norway. e.j.reponen@medisin.uio.no.

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
|May 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Genetic factors for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Polygenic risk scores for bipolar disorder showed a significant negative association with Body Mass Index (BMI).

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics
  • Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

  • Individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder face elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Abnormal CVD risk biomarkers are common in these patient populations.
  • Genetic factors, lifestyle, and antipsychotic medications are potential contributors to CVD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between genetic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and CVD risk biomarkers.
  • To determine the extent to which altered CVD biomarkers relate to genetic factors underlying these psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to calculate polygenic risk scores (PGRS) for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
  • Assessed 8 CVD risk biomarkers, including Body Mass Index (BMI) and fasting plasma biomarkers, in 699 schizophrenia patients, 391 bipolar disorder patients, and 822 controls.
  • Employed linear regression models to analyze associations between PGRS and CVD biomarkers, controlling for covariates and correcting for multiple testing.

Main Results:

  • A significant negative association was found between bipolar disorder PGRS and BMI (p=0.03) after multiple testing correction.
  • Schizophrenia PGRS showed a nominal negative association with BMI.
  • No other significant associations were observed between schizophrenia or bipolar disorder PGRS and the other investigated CVD biomarkers.

Conclusions:

  • Despite widespread CVD biomarker abnormalities in psychotic disorders, only PGRS for bipolar disorder demonstrated a significant negative link with BMI.
  • This finding aligns with previous research on schizophrenia PGRS and BMI, suggesting a potential genetic influence on body weight in these conditions.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the genetic underpinnings of CVD risk in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Keywords:
BMIBipolar disorderCardiovascular biomarkersPolygenic riskSchizophrenia

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