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Serological observations in patients suffering from acute manic episodes
Ahmed A Wadee1, Reverie H Kuschke, Lesley A Wood
1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences and School of Pathology of the University of the Witwatersrand and the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa. bronwynb@mail.saimr.wits.ac.za
Insights
This study found significant immune system differences in acute mania patients, including lower immunoglobulin D and higher immunoglobulin G1 and complement proteins. These findings suggest a link between acute mania and immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Psychiatric Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Immune system abnormalities are known in depression.
- Limited data exists on serological changes in acute mania.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of immune markers in acute manic episodes.
- To compare these levels with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 45 acute manic patients and 45 controls were analyzed.
- Levels of C-reactive protein, immune complexes, immunoglobulins (total and subclasses), and complement proteins (C3, C4, C6, Factor B) were measured.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower immunoglobulin D levels were observed in patients.
- Elevated levels of total immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin G1, C3, C6, and Factor B were found in the patient group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Acute mania is associated with distinct alterations in immunological parameters.
- These changes relate to acute phase responses, suggesting a neuroimmune connection in mania.
Abstract:
Although abnormalities of the immune system have been described in depression, information on serological alteration in acutely manic patients has been scarce. The present study undertook to investigate the levels of C-reactive proteins, circulating immune complexes, total immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin subclasses, complement proteins C3, C4, C6 and Factor B in the sera of 45 patients suffering from an acute manic episode. The findings were compared with assessments on the sera of 45 controls. The results demonstrate a number of significant differences between patients and controls. Whilst levels of immunoglobulin D were significantly lower, the levels of total immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin G1, complement proteins C3, C6 and Factor B were raised in the patient group when compared with the controls. Our results suggest a relationship between acute mania and immunological parameters associated with acute phase responses.
