Mendelian randomisation analysis to explore the association between cathepsins and bipolar disorder

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Bipolar disorder involves depression and mania, with diagnostic challenges and poor treatment compliance.
• Cathepsins are implicated in various diseases, but their role in psychiatric disorders remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between circulating cathepsin levels and bipolar disorder subtypes.
• To explore the causal relationship between cathepsins and bipolar disorder using genetic analysis.

Main Methods:

• Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis was employed.
• Multivariate analysis was used to assess causal relationships.

Main Results:

• Cathepsin H levels were found to be protective for bipolar II disorder.
• Cathepsin B levels correlated with the progression of bipolar I disorder.
• A causal link was identified between Cathepsin H and cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor.

Conclusions:

• Cathepsin H may serve as a diagnostic target for bipolar II disorder.
• Cathepsin H's influence on bipolar disorder might be mediated through cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor.