Revisiting inflammation in bipolar disorder

The role of metabolic syndrome as a mediator in the relationship between CCL11 levels and the presence of a mood episode with mixed features in young adults with bipolar disorder

Mixed features presentation in bipolar disorder (BD) represents the most severe form of the disease. BD may lead to cognitive and functional deterioration, a process known as neuroprogression, which appears to be exacerbated by increased serum levels of CCL11, a neuroprogression-related cytokine. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in BD, and it is known that the presence of MetS may increase inflammation, which may contribute to increased CCL11 levels, and consequently impact on the severity of the disorder. What is not known is whether the MetS mediates the association between CCL11 levels and the presence of mood episodes with mixed features in BD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of MetS on the relationship between CCL11 levels and the presence of mood episodes with mixed features in BD, in a population-based study. This is a cross-sectional study that included 184 young adults, 92 with BD and 92 populational controls, matched by sex and age. BD diagnosis was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - PLUS. Mood episodes with mixed features was defined according to DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP/ATP III). Substance use was assessed through the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). CCL11 serum levels were analyzed using the multiplex analysis method Luminex 200™ system. The mediation model was tested using the MedMod module of the JAMOVI 2.4.8 software. Mediation analysis indicated a trend towards significance of MetS mediating the association between CCL11 and the presence of a mood episode with mixed features in BD (p = 0.065). Individuals with BD presenting with a mood episode with mixed features and MetS may have accelerated neuroprogression due to the influence of MetS on CCL11 levels, therefore, assessing for MetS occurrence in this population and implementing early interventions to prevent its development may be effective ways of delaying cognitive impairments related to this cytokine.

Promising immunomodulators for management of substance and alcohol use disorders

INTRODUCTION

The neuroimmune system has emerged as a novel target for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), with immunomodulation producing encouraging therapeutic benefits in both preclinical and clinical settings.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we describe the mechanism of action and immune response to methamphetamine, opioids, cocaine, and alcohol. We then discuss off-label use of immunomodulators as adjunctive therapeutics in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, demonstrating their potential efficacy in affective and behavioral disorders. We then discuss in detail the mechanism of action and recent findings regarding the use of ibudilast, minocycline, probenecid, dexmedetomidine, pioglitazone, and cannabidiol to treat (SUDs). These immunomodulators are currently being investigated in clinical trials described herein, specifically for their potential to decrease substance use, withdrawal severity, central and peripheral inflammation, comorbid neuropsychiatric disorder symptomology, as well as their ability to improve cognitive outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION

We argue that although mixed, findings from recent preclinical and clinical studies underscore the potential benefit of immunomodulation in the treatment of the behavioral, cognitive, and inflammatory processes that underlie compulsive substance use.

Targeting inflammasome complexes as a novel therapeutic strategy for mood disorders

INTRODUCTION

Inflammasome complexes, especially NLRP3, have gained great attention as a potential therapeutic target in mood disorders. NLRP3 triggers a caspase 1-dependent release of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and seems to interact with purinergic and kynurenine pathways, all of which are implicated in mood disorders development and progression.

AREAS COVERED

Emerging evidence supports NLRP3 inflammasome as a promising pharmacological target for mood disorders. We discussed the available evidence from animal models and human studies and provided a reflection on drawbacks and perspectives for this novel target.

EXPERT OPINION

Several studies have supported the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in MDD. However, most of the evidence comes from animal models. The role of NLRP3 inflammasome in BD as well as its anti-manic properties is not very clear and requires further exploration. There is evidence of anti-manic effects of P2×R7 antagonists associated with reduction in the brain levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in a murine model of mania. The involvement of other NLRP3 inflammasome expressing cells besides microglia, like astrocytes, and of other inflammasome complexes in mood disorders also deserves further investigation. Preclinical and clinical characterization of NLRP3 and other inflammasomes in mood disorders is needed before considering translational approaches, including clinical trials.

Abelson Helper Integration Site 1 haplotypes and peripheral blood expression associates with lithium response and immunomodulation in bipolar patients

RATIONALE

In bipolar disorder (BD), immunological factors play a role in the pathogenesis and treatment of the illness. Studies showed the potential link between Abelson Helper Integration Site 1 (AHI1) protein, behavioural changes and innate immunity regulation. An immunomodulatory effect was suggested for lithium, a mood stabilizer used in BD treatment.

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that AHI1 may be an important mediator of lithium treatment response. Our study aimed to investigate whether the AHI1 haplotypes and expression associates with lithium treatment response in BD patients. We also examined whether AHI1 expression and lithium treatment correlate with innate inflammatory response genes.

RESULTS

We genotyped seven AHI1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 97 euthymic BD patients and found that TG haplotype (rs7739635, rs9494332) was significantly associated with lithium response. We also showed significantly increased AHI1 expression in the blood of lithium responders compared to non-responders and BD patients compared to healthy controls (HC). We analyzed the expression of genes involved in the innate immune response and inflammatory response regulation (TLR4, CASP4, CASP5, NLRP3, IL1A, IL1B, IL6, IL10, IL18) in 21 lithium-treated BD patients, 20 BD patients treated with other mood stabilizer and 19 HC. We found significantly altered expression between BD patients and HC, but not between BD patients treated with different mood stabilizers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests the involvement of AHI1 in the lithium mode of action. Moreover, mood-stabilizing treatment associated with the innate immunity-related gene expression in BD patients and only the lithium-treated BD patients showed significantly elevated expression of anti-inflammatory IL10, suggesting lithium's immunomodulatory potential.

Comparison of the stability of glycoprotein acetyls and high sensitivity C-reactive protein as markers of chronic inflammation

It has been suggested that glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA) better reflects chronic inflammation than high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), but paediatric/life-course data are sparse. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and UK Biobank, we compared short- (over weeks) and long-term (over years) correlations of GlycA and hsCRP, cross-sectional correlations between GlycA and hsCRP, and associations of pro-inflammatory risk factors with GlycA and hsCRP across the life-course. GlycA showed high short-term (weeks) stability at 15 years (r = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.56, 0.94), 18 years (r = 0.74; 0.64, 0.85), 24 years (r = 0.74; 0.51, 0.98) and 48 years (r = 0.82 0.76, 0.86) and this was comparable to the short-term stability of hsCRP at 24 years. GlycA stability was moderate over the long-term, for example between 15 and 18 years r = 0.52; 0.47, 0.56 and between 15 and 24 years r = 0.37; 0.31, 0.44. These were larger than equivalent correlations of hsCRP. GlycA and concurrently measured hsCRP were moderately correlated at all ages, for example at 15 years (r = 0.44; 0.40, 0.48) and at 18 years (r = 0.55; 0.51, 0.59). We found similar associations of known proinflammatory factors and inflammatory diseases with GlycA and hsCRP. For example, BMI was positively associated with GlycA (mean difference in GlycA per standard deviation change in BMI = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.07, 0.10) and hsCRP (0.10; 0.08, 0.11). This study showed that GlycA has greater long-term stability than hsCRP, however associations of proinflammatory factors with GlycA and hsCRP were broadly similar.

Correlation of potential diagnostic biomarkers (circulating miRNA and protein) of bipolar II disorder

OBJECTIVES

We previously identified certain peripheral biomarkers of bipolar II disorder (BD-II) including circulating miRNAs (miR-7-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-221-5p, and miR-370-3p) and proteins (Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase subunit beta (FARSB), peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2), carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA-1), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)). We try to explore the connection between these biomarkers.

METHODS

We explored correlations between the peripheral levels of above circulating miRNAs and proteins in our previously collected BD-II (N = 96) patients and control (N = 115) groups. We further searched TargetScan and BioGrid websites to identify direct and indirect interactions between these protein-coding genes and circulating miRNAs.

RESULTS

In the BD-II group, we identified significant correlations between the miR-221-5p and CA-1 (rho = -0.323, P = 0.001), FARSB (rho = 0.251, P = 0.014), MMP-9 (rho = 0.313, P = 0.002) and PCSK9 (rho = 0.252, P = 0.014). The miR-370-3p also significantly correlated with FARSB expression (rho = 0.330, P = 0.001) and PCSK9 expression (rho = 0.221, P = 0.031) in the BD-II group. Our findings were in line with the modulating axis identified from TargetScan and BioGrid, miR-221-5p/CA-1/MMP9 and miR-370-3p/FARSB/PCSK9, suggesting their association with BD-II.

CONCLUSION

Our result supported that peripheral candidate miRNA and protein biomarkers may interact in BD-II. We concluded that miR-221-5p/CA-1/MMP9 and miR-370-3p/FARSB/PCSK9 axes might act a critical role in the pathomechanism of BD-II.

Bipolar disorder and the gut microbiota: a bibliometric analysis

Background

Previous studies have explored the relationship between bipolar disorder and gut microbiota. However, there has been no bibliometric analysis to summarize and analyze these publications. Our objective was to perform a bibliometric analysis to investigate the current status and frontiers of the publications in the field of the association between bipolar disorder and the gut microbiota.

Methods

We retrieved publications concerning the interplay between the gut microbiota and bipolar disorder from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The analysis was executed using WoSCC's literature analysis tool and VOSviewer 1.6.16.

Results

In total, we identified 177 publications originating from 362 institutions across 39 countries/regions, and these articles were disseminated in 104 different journals. The most productive institutions, authors, countries/regions, and journals were Zhejiang University contributing 18 publications, Shaohua Hu authoring 12 publications, China with 53 publications, and Frontiers in Psychiatry with 11 publications. The first high-cited document was published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2017, and authored by Evans. In this article, they found gut microbiome composition was associated with BD and its illness severity, and they concluded that targeting the gut microbiota may be helpful to develop the effective treatment for bipolar disorder. The top 5 keywords with the highest frequency except for bipolar disorder and gut microbiota were as follows: depression, inflammation, probiotic, gut-brain axis, and anxiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is the first bibliometric analysis to explore the publications in the field of the association between bipolar disorder and the gut microbiota. The main research hotspots regarding this field were the characteristics, abundance, and diversity of gut microbiome in bipolar disorder, the role of treatment and gut microbiome in bipolar disorder, microbiome-brain connections in bipolar disorder, and interventions for bipolar disorder based on microbiota composition modification. The number of studies about the association between gut microbiota and bipolar disorder is relatively small, and more studies are needed to expand our understanding the association between gut microbiota and bipolar disorder.

Circulating T-cell subsets discrepancy between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder during mood episodes: A naturalistic, retrospective study of 1015 cases

AIMS

We aimed to investigate whether peripheral T-cell subsets could be a biomarker to distinguish major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD).

METHODS

Medical records of hospitalized patients in the Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from January 2015 to September 2020 with a discharge diagnosis of MDD or BD were reviewed. Patients who underwent peripheral blood examination of T-cell subtype proportions, including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T-cell, and natural killer (NK) cells, were enrolled. The Chi-square test, t-test, or one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze group differences. Demographic profiles and T-cell data were used to construct a random forest classifier-based diagnostic model.

RESULTS

Totally, 98 cases of BD mania, 459 cases of BD depression (BD-D), and 458 cases of MDD were included. There were significant differences in the proportions of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T-cell, and NK cells among the three groups. Compared with MDD, the BD-D group showed higher CD8+ but lower CD4+ T-cell and a significantly lower ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ proportions. The random forest model achieved an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.71-0.83) to distinguish BD-D from MDD patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings imply that BD and MDD patients may harbor different T-cell inflammatory patterns, which could be a potential diagnostic biomarker for mood disorders.

Bipolar disorder and the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, heart failure, and all-cause mortality: a population-based matched cohort study in South Korea

The association of bipolar disorder (BD) with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and premature death in Asians needs to be further determined. Relatively less attention has been paid to heart failure (HF) among cardiometabolic outcomes. We analyzed the Korean National Health Insurance Service database (2002-2018) for this population-based, matched cohort study. The hazards of ischemic stroke, ischemic heart disease (IHD), hospitalization for HF (hHF), composite cardiometabolic diseases, and all-cause mortality during follow-up were compared between individuals with BD (n = 11,329) and 1:1-matched controls without psychiatric disorders among adults without cardiometabolic disease before or within 3 months of baseline. Hazards of outcomes were higher in individuals with BD than in matched controls (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.971 [1.414-2.746] for ischemic stroke, 1.553 [1.401-1.721] for IHD, 2.526 [1.788-3.567] for hHF, 1.939 [1.860-2.022] for composite cardiometabolic diseases, and 2.175 [1.875-2.523] for all-cause mortality) during follow-up. Associations between BD and outcome hazards were more prominent in younger individuals (p for interaction < 0.02, except for ischemic stroke) and women (p for interaction < 0.04, except for hHF). Screening and preventive measures for cardiometabolic deterioration and early mortality may need to be intensified in individuals with BD, even in young adults, especially women.

Higher Levels of C-reactive Protein Are Associated With Higher Cortical Surface Area and Lower Cortical Thickness in Youth With Bipolar Disorder

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is implicated in the neuropathology of bipolar disorder (BD). The association of C-reactive protein (CRP) with brain structure has been examined in relation to BD among adults but not youth.

METHODS

Participants included 101 youth (BD, n = 55; control group [CG], n = 46; aged 13-20 years). Blood samples were assayed for levels of CRP. T1-weighted brain images were acquired to obtain cortical surface area (SA), volume, and thickness for 3 regions of interest (ROI; whole-brain cortical gray matter, prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex [OFC]) and for vertex-wise analyses. Analyses included CRP main effects and interaction effects controlling for age, sex, and intracranial volume.

RESULTS

In ROI analyses, higher CRP was associated with higher whole-brain SA (β = 0.16; P = .03) and lower whole-brain (β = -0.31; P = .03) and OFC cortical thickness (β = -0.29; P = .04) within the BD group and was associated with higher OFC SA (β = 0.17; P = .03) within the CG. In vertex-wise analyses, higher CRP was associated with higher SA and lower cortical thickness in frontal and parietal regions within BD. A significant CRP-by-diagnosis interaction was found in frontal and temporal regions, whereby higher CRP was associated with lower neurostructural metrics in the BD group but higher neurostructural metrics in CG.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that higher CRP among youth with BD is associated with higher SA but lower cortical thickness in ROI and vertex-wise analyses. The study identified 2 regions in which the association of CRP with brain structure differs between youth with BD and the CG. Future longitudinal, repeated-measures studies incorporating additional inflammatory markers are warranted.

Inflammation and emotion regulation: a narrative review of evidence and mechanisms in emotion dysregulation disorders

Emotion dysregulation (ED) describes a difficulty with the modulation of which emotions are felt, as well as when and how these emotions are experienced or expressed. It is a focal overarching symptom in many severe and prevalent neuropsychiatric diseases, including bipolar disorders (BD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). In all these disorders, ED can manifest through symptoms of depression, anxiety, or affective lability. Considering the many symptomatic similarities between BD, ADHD, and BPD, a transdiagnostic approach is a promising lens of investigation. Mounting evidence supports the role of peripheral inflammatory markers and stress in the multifactorial aetiology and physiopathology of BD, ADHD, and BPD. Of note, neural circuits that regulate emotions appear particularly vulnerable to inflammatory insults and peripheral inflammation, which can impact the neuroimmune milieu of the central nervous system. Thus far, few studies have examined the link between ED and inflammation in BD, ADHD, and BPD. To our knowledge, no specific work has provided a critical comparison of the results from these disorders. To fill this gap in the literature, we review the known associations and mechanisms linking ED and inflammation in general, and clinically, in BD, ADHD, and BD. Our narrative review begins with an examination of the routes linking ED and inflammation, followed by a discussion of disorder-specific results accounting for methodological limitations and relevant confounding factors. Finally, we critically discuss both correspondences and discrepancies in the results and comment on potential vulnerability markers and promising therapeutic interventions.

Mitochondrial health index correlates with plasma circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA in bipolar disorder

Although mitochondrial dysfunction is known to play an essential role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD), there is a glaring gap in our understanding of how mitochondrial dysfunction can modulate clinical phenotypes. An emerging paradigm suggests mitochondria play an important non-energetic role in adaptation to stress, impacting cellular resilience and acting as a source of systemic allostatic load. Known as mitochondrial allostatic load, this (phenomenon) occurs when mitochondria are unable to recalibrate and maintain cell homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the composite mitochondrial health index (MHI) in BD subjects and non-psychiatry controls. We will also explore whether lower MIH will be related to higher cell-free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA) levels and poor clinical outcomes. In this study, 14 BD-I patients and 16 age- and sex-matched non-psychiatry controls were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used to measure the enzymatic activities of citrate synthase and complexes I, II, and IV and mtDNA copy number. Ccf-mtDNA was evaluated by qPCR in plasma. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) proteins were evaluated by western blotting. After adjusting for confounding variables, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status, patients with BD presented lower MHI compared to non-psychiatry controls, as well as higher ccf-mtDNA levels that negatively correlated with MHI. Because the MQC network is essential to maintain mitochondrial health, MHI and ccf-mtDNA were also examined in relation to several MQC-related proteins, such as Fis-1, Opa-1, and LC3. Our results showed that MHI correlated negatively with Fis-1 and positively with Opa-1 and LC3. Accordingly, ccf-mtDNA had a positive correlation with Fis-1 and a negative correlation with Opa-1 and LC3. Furthermore, we found a noteworthy inverse correlation between illness severity and MHI, with lower MHI and higher ccf-mtDNA levels in subjects with a longer illness duration, worse functional status, and higher depressive symptoms. Our findings indicate that mitochondrial allostatic load contributes to BD, suggesting mitochondria represent a potential biological intersection point that could contribute to impaired cellular resilience and increased vulnerability to stress and mood episodes. Ultimately, by linking mitochondrial dysfunction to disease progression and poor outcomes, we might be able to build a predictive marker that explains how mitochondrial function and its regulation contribute to BD development and that may eventually serve as a treatment guide for both old and new therapeutic targets.

IL2RA rs2104286 and IL2 rs2069762 polymorphisms may be associated with bipolar disorder and its clinical findings

Study results supported that immuno-inflammatory pathways in the brain and environment contribute to the etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD), a chronic affective disease. Our study aimed to assess the relationship between BD risk and interleukin 2 (IL2) and interleukin 2 receptor subunit alpha (IL2RA) variants in a Turkish population. Genomic DNA from 86 diagnosed BD patients and 100 healthy blood donors was extracted. IL2RA rs2104286, IL2 rs2069762, and IL2 rs2069763 variants were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. It was compared to the relationship between the genotype distributions of these variants and clinical characteristics. Results were evaluated statistically. A statistically significant difference in the genotype distribution of the IL2RA rs2104286 variant was found between patients and controls. There was no GG genotype in the patient group. The IL2RA rs2104286 AA genotype was more common in the patient group than the controls, and the AG genotype was higher in the controls compared to the patients (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). The IL2 rs2069762 and IL2 rs2069763 genotype distributions did not differ between the patient and control groups (p > 0.05). We found that the clinical global impression severity (CGI-S) score was higher in those with IL2 rs2069762 TG and GG genotypes. In this study, we showed for the first time that the genotype distribution of IL2RA rs2104286 and IL2 rs2069762 is associated with BD susceptibility and CGI-S score in a Turkish population.

Lipid Biomarker Research in Bipolar Disorder: A Scoping Review of Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a disabling disorder with heterogeneous symptom profiles and trajectories. Like many other neuropsychiatric disorders, clinical decision making related to diagnoses and choice of treatment is based on clinical assessments alone, and risk prediction for treatment success or resistance at an individual level remains sparse. An enormous effort to add biological markers to this risk prediction is ongoing. The role of lipids in normal brain functioning is well established, and several hypotheses about the role of lipids in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, including BD, have been made. The frequent comorbidity between neuropsychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease, the genetic overlap of risk genes for severe mental disorders and genes involved in lipid regulation, and the lipid-altering effects of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers indicate that lipids could hold promise as biomarkers for neuropsychiatric disorders, including BD. To date, reviews of lipid biomarkers in schizophrenia and major depression have noted caveats for future investigations, while reviews of lipid biomarker research in BD is missing. In the current scoping review, we present a comprehensive overview of trends in previous research on lipid biomarkers in BD. The current literature varies greatly in the phenotypes investigated and study designs, leading to divergent findings. Small sample size; potential confounders related to physical activity, nutritional status, and medication use; and cross-sectional designs were frequently reported limitations. Future research may benefit from pivoting toward utilization of newer laboratory techniques such as lipidomics, but consistent use of study methods across cohorts is also needed.

Does Decreased Vitamin D Level Trigger Bipolar Manic Attacks?

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric disorder with depression and manic episodes. It is one of the leading causes of disease-related disability worldwide. Despite the presence of various alternative drug options for bipolar disorder, some patients do not adequately benefit from the treatment. Therefore, possible underlying mechanisms need to be clarified. Recently, studies on the relationship between bipolar disorder and vitamin D (Vit D) have attracted attention. Although many studies have found an association between depression and Vit D deficiency, little is known about the relationship between manic episodes and Vit D. The aim of this study was to compare Vit D and related metabolites of bipolar manic episodes prior to treatment, bipolar remission after treatment, and healthy control groups.

METHODS

This case-control study consisted of 34 bipolar manic episode patients and 34 healthy controls. Disease activity was evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Firstly, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels of patients in the bipolar manic episode were measured and compared with healthy control. Secondly, serum 25-OHD, Ca and P levels in the euthymic periods of the same patients were measured and compared with healthy control.

RESULTS

Bipolar manic episode Vit D levels were lower when compared to healthy controls; while there was no difference in terms of Ca and P levels. There was no significant difference between the bipolar euthymic period patients and the healthy control group in terms of 25-OHD, Ca and P levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated low serum Vit D concentrations in the acute manic episode of bipolar disorder. Decreased Vit D level may play a role in the onset of the manic episode, or malnutrition and insufficient sunlight during the manic episode may have caused Vit D deficiency. Future studies are needed to exclude potential confounding factors and to compare all mood episodes.

Utilizing the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Blood-Based Biomarkers in Association with Treatment Responsiveness amongst Patients with Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Depression

(1) Background: Inflammation is associated with depressive illness and treatment resistance. This study assessed a novel inflammatory index, the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), in patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBDD) before and after treatment with escitalopram (ESC) and celecoxib (CBX) add-on or ESC and placebo (PBO), and compared them to healthy control (HC) subjects. (2) Methods: This is a secondary biological analysis from a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial of CBX augmentation in TRBDD. Our subsample with available complete blood count (CBC) data included 52 TRBDD subjects, randomized into an ESC + CBX, (n = 29), an ESC + PBO arm (n = 23), and an HC group (n = 32). SII was calculated from the CBC with differential (SII = platelets x neutrophils/lymphocytes) at baseline and end of treatment (8 weeks). Blood inflammation biomarkers, growth factors, and kynurenine metabolites were determined at both timepoints. Depressive symptom severity was the primary outcome, using the HAMD-17 rating scale score to quantitate treatment response and remission rates. (3) Results: Baseline SII did not discriminate TRBDD from HC, nor was it associated with HAMD-17 score at any timepoint, although it was significantly associated with lower baseline VEGF (p = 0.011) and higher week 8 levels of IL1-β (p = 0.03) and CRP (p = 0.048). Post-treatment HAMD-17 was not independently predicted using baseline SII unless an interaction with age was present (p = 0.003 was included), even after relevant adjustments. A similar effect was seen with baseline neutrophils. (4) Conclusions: While SII was not an independent predictor of treatment outcome, elevated baseline SII was a predictor of poor treatment response amongst older patients with TRBDD.

Non-canonical pathways in the pathophysiology and therapeutics of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by extreme mood swings ranging from manic/hypomanic to depressive episodes. The severity, duration, and frequency of these episodes can vary widely between individuals, significantly impacting quality of life. Individuals with BD spend almost half their lives experiencing mood symptoms, especially depression, as well as associated clinical dimensions such as anhedonia, fatigue, suicidality, anxiety, and neurovegetative symptoms. Persistent mood symptoms have been associated with premature mortality, accelerated aging, and elevated prevalence of treatment-resistant depression. Recent efforts have expanded our understanding of the neurobiology of BD and the downstream targets that may help track clinical outcomes and drug development. However, as a polygenic disorder, the neurobiology of BD is complex and involves biological changes in several organelles and downstream targets (pre-, post-, and extra-synaptic), including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, altered monoaminergic and glutamatergic systems, lower neurotrophic factor levels, and changes in immune-inflammatory systems. The field has thus moved toward identifying more precise neurobiological targets that, in turn, may help develop personalized approaches and more reliable biomarkers for treatment prediction. Diverse pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches targeting neurobiological pathways other than neurotransmission have also been tested in mood disorders. This article reviews different neurobiological targets and pathophysiological findings in non-canonical pathways in BD that may offer opportunities to support drug development and identify new, clinically relevant biological mechanisms. These include: neuroinflammation; mitochondrial function; calcium channels; oxidative stress; the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) pathway; protein kinase C (PKC); brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); histone deacetylase (HDAC); and the purinergic signaling pathway.

Probiotics, Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs), and Gut-Brain Axis Related Psychological Conditions: Implications for Research and Dietetics

It is well-known that probiotics have key roles in the crosstalk between the gut and brain in terms of nutrition and health. However, when investigating their role in nutrition and health, it can be important to discriminate probiotics used as foods, food supplements, or drugs. For clarification of this terminology, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a new "live biotherapeutic products" (LBP) category, expressing pharmaceutical expectations and to reduce confusion in the literature. Growing evidence advises that the community of microorganisms found in the gut microbiota is associated with psychological conditions. Hence, it is thought that LBPs may positively affect depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia by reducing inflammation, improving gut microbiota, and balancing gut neurometabolites. This review focuses on the specific position of probiotics as LBPs in psychological conditions. Condition-specific potential pathways and mechanisms of LBPs and the prominent strains are discussed in the light of novel studies for future research, dietetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Advanced Biomarkers of Hepatotoxicity in Psychiatry: A Narrative Review and Recommendations for New Psychoactive Substances

One of the factors that increase the effectiveness of the pharmacotherapy used in patients abusing various types of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) is the proper functioning of the liver. However, the articles published to date on NPS hepatotoxicity only address non-specific hepatic parameters. The aim of this manuscript was to review three advanced markers of hepatotoxicity in psychiatry, namely, osteopontin (OPN), high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and glutathione dehydrogenase (GDH, GLDH), and, on this basis, to identify recommendations that should be included in future studies in patients abusing NPSs. This will make it possible to determine whether NPSs do indeed have a hepatotoxic effect or whether other factors, such as additional substances taken or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, are responsible. NPS abusers are at particular risk of HCV infection, and for this reason, it is all the more important to determine what factors actually show a hepatotoxic effect in them.

Mitochondrial Health Index Correlates with Plasma Circulating Cell-Free Mitochondrial DNA in Bipolar Disorder

Background: Although mitochondria dysfunction is known to play an essential role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD), there is a glaring gap in our understanding of how mitochondrial dysfunction can modulate clinical phenotypes. This study aimed to evaluate the composite mitochondrial health index (MHI) in BD subjects and non-psychiatry controls (Non-psychiatry controls). We will also explore whether lower MIH will be related to higher cell-free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA) levels and poor clinical outcomes. Methods: Fourteen BD-I patients and 16 age- and sex-matched non-psychiatry controls were enrolled for this study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were used to measure the enzymatic activities of citrate synthase and complexes I, II, and IV and mtDNA copy number. ccf-mtDNA was evaluated by qPCR in plasma. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) proteins were evaluated by western blotting. Results: One-Way ANCOVA after controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status showed that patients with BD present a decrease in the MHI compared to non-psychiatry controls, and higher ccf-mtDNA levels, which was negatively correlated with MHI. Because the MQC network is essential to maintain mitochondrial health, we also evaluated the relationship between MQC-related proteins with MHI and ccf-mtDNA. Our results showed that MHI negatively correlated with Fis-1 and positively with Opa-1 and LC3. Moreover, we found a negative correlation between ccf-mtDNA, Opa-1, and LC3 and a positive correlation between cff-mtDNA and Fis-1. Finally, we found that subjects with longer illness duration, higher depressive symptom scores, and worse functional status had lower MHI and higher ccf-mtDNA. Conclusion: In summary, the present findings corroborate previous studies and provide strong support for the hypothesis that mitochondrial regulation and function are integral parts of the pathogenesis of BD.

Eveningness chronotype and depressive affective temperament associated with higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in unipolar and bipolar depression

BACKGROUND

Several studies investigated the role of inflammation in the etiopathogenesis of mood disorders. The aim of our cross-sectional study is evaluating baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive-protein (hsCRP) levels in a cohort of unipolar and bipolar depressive inpatients, in relation with psychopathological, temperamental and chronotype features.

METHODS

Among 313 screened inpatients, we retrospectively recruited 133 moderate-to-severe depressive patients who were assessed for hsCRP levels, chronotype with Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and affective temperament with Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego (TEMPS).

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional and retrospective design of the study, the small sample size, the exclusion of hypomanic, maniac and euthymic bipolar patients.

RESULTS

hsCRP levels were significantly higher among those with previous suicide attempt (p = 0.05), death (p = 0.018) and self-harm/self-injury thoughts (p = 0.011). Linear regression analyses, adjusted for all covariates, demonstrated that higher scores at the TEMPS-M depressive, while lower scores at the hyperthymic and irritable affective temperaments [F = 88.955, R² = 0.710, p < 0.001] and lower MEQ scores [F = 75.456, R² = 0.405, p < 0.001] statistically significantly predicted higher hsCRP.

CONCLUSION

Eveningness chronotype and a depressive affective temperament appeared to be associated with higher hsCRP levels during moderate-to-severe unipolar and bipolar depression. Further longitudinal and larger studies should better characterise patients with mood disorders by investigating the influence of chronotype and temperament.

From the immune system to mood disorders especially induced by Toxoplasma gondii: CD4+ T cell as a bridge

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a ubiquitous and obligatory intracellular protozoa, not only alters peripheral immune status, but crosses the blood-brain barrier to trigger brain parenchymal injury and central neuroinflammation to establish latent cerebral infection in humans and other vertebrates. Recent findings underscore the strong correlation between alterations in the peripheral and central immune environment and mood disorders. Th17 and Th1 cells are important pro-inflammatory cells that can drive the pathology of mood disorders by promoting neuroinflammation. As opposed to Th17 and Th1, regulatory T cells have inhibitory inflammatory and neuroprotective functions that can ameliorate mood disorders. T. gondii induces neuroinflammation, which can be mediated by CD4+ T cells (such as Tregs, Th17, Th1, and Th2). Though the pathophysiology and treatment of mood disorder have been currently studied, emerging evidence points to unique role of CD4+ T cells in mood disorder, especially those caused by T. gondii infection. In this review, we explore some recent studies that extend our understanding of the relationship between mood disorders and T. gondii.

Mood Disorders in Youth: Complementary and Integrative Medicine

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, probiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid and L-methyl folate, broad-spectrum micronutrients, N-acetylcysteine, physical activity, herbs, bright light therapy, melatonin, saffron, meditation, school-based interventions, and transcranial photobiomodulation are reviewed, with a focus on their use for treating mood disorders in children and adolescents. For each treatment, all published randomized controlled trials are summarized.

Effects of comorbid alcohol use disorder on bipolar disorder: Focusing on neurocognitive function and inflammatory markers

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent comorbid disorder in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Both BD and AUD were found to be associated with inflammation and cognitive deficits, but few study has been done on BD comorbid with AUD (BD+AUD). We aimed to investigate the impacts of comorbid AUD and BD on cognitive function, inflammatory and neurotrophic markers.

METHOD

We recruited 641 BD patients, 150 patients with BD+AUD, and 185 healthy controls (HC). Neuropsychological tests [Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), continuous performance test (CPT), and Wechsler memory scale - third edition (WMS-III)] and cytokine plasma levels [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)] were assessed.

RESULTS

BD+AUD patients had worse cognitive performance than those without AUD. There was a significant difference in the plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-8, and BDNF (P < 0.001, <0.001, and 0.01, respectively) between the patients and the HC groups. Post hoc analysis showed that BD+AUD patients had higher levels of TNF-α and IL-8 than BD-only patients (P < 0.001). Additionally, plasma IL-8 levels were negatively associated with number of completed categories in WCST (P = 0.02), and TNF-α levels were negatively associated with visual immediate index in WMS-III (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that comorbid AUD and BD might worsen cognitive impairments and inflammatory processes. Further longitudinal studies on BD+AUD may be needed.

Heightened inflammation in bipolar disorder occurs independent of symptom severity and is explained by body mass index

Inflammation is hypothesized to be a key component of bipolar disorder (BP) development and progression. However, findings linking BP prevalence and symptomology to immune functioning have been mixed, with some work suggesting that obesity may play an important role in BP-relevant inflammation. Here we investigate differences in biomarkers of inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10] between healthy controls (HC) and individuals with BP or other mental illness (MI). Adults with BP, MI, or HC (n = 545, 70% BP, 21% HC, 9% MI) self-reported depressive and manic symptoms close to a blood draw and physical exam that included measurement of height and weight. A composite score was calculated from the four cytokines measured in plasma; follow-up analyses explored a pro-inflammatory composite and IL-10, individually. BP individuals had elevated cytokine concentrations compared to HC (B = 0.197, [0.062, 0.333], t (542) = 2.855, p = .004); this difference was also evident for the pro-inflammatory composite and for IL-10. Cytokine concentrations were not associated with BP mood states. Body mass index (BMI), an indicator of obesity, was significantly higher in BP compared to HC (B = 3.780, [2.118, 5.443], t (479) = 4.457, p < .001) and differences in cytokines between the two groups was no longer significant after controlling for BMI. No differences in CRP were evident between BP and HC. These results suggest that cytokine concentrations are elevated in BP and this difference from HC is associated with obesity. Interventions targeting immune modulators in BP must carefully consider the complex relationships within the BP-inflammation-obesity triangle.

Associations of white blood cell and platelet counts with specific depressive symptom dimensions in patients with bipolar disorder: Analysis of data from the FACE-BD cohort

Evidences suggest that inflammation is increased in a subgroup of patients with depression. Moreover, increased peripheral inflammatory markers (cells and proteins) are associated with some, but not all depressive symptoms. On the other hand, similar studies on bipolar disorders mainly focused on blood cytokines. Here, we analysed data from a large (N = 3440), well-characterized cohort of individuals with bipolar disorder using Kendall partial rank correlation, multivariate linear regression, and network analyses to determine whether peripheral blood cell counts are associated with depression severity, its symptoms, and dimensions. Based on the self-reported 16-Item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology questionnaire scores, we preselected symptom dimensions based on literature and data-driven principal component analysis. We found that the counts of all blood cell types were only marginally associated with depression severity. Conversely, white blood cell count was significantly associated with the sickness dimension and its four components (anhedonia, slowing down, fatigue, and appetite loss). Platelet count was associated with the insomnia/restlessness dimension and its components (initial, middle, late insomnia and restlessness). Principal component analyses corroborated these results. Platelet count was also associated with suicidal ideation. In analyses stratified by sex, the white blood cell count-sickness dimension association remained significant only in men, and the platelet count-insomnia/restlessness dimension association only in women. Without implying causation, these results suggest that peripheral blood cell counts might be associated with different depressive symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder, and that white blood cells might be implicated in sickness symptoms and platelets in insomnia/agitation and suicidal ideation.

A gene expression analysis of long non-coding RNAs NKILA and PACER as well as their target genes, NF-κB and cox-2 in bipolar disorder patients

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe condition characterized by periods of mania and depression. Despite advances in the neurobiology of bipolar disorder, the exact etiology of the disease remains unclear. There is evidence that Inflammation is associated with bipolar disorder. COX-2 and NF-κB are two critical mediators in the inflammatory pathways. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a new class of non-coding RNAs that play a wide range of roles, especially in developing and maintaining normal brain functions. Two lncRNAs called PACER and NKILA control the expression of COX-2 and NF-κB genes, respectively. In this study, Expression levels of PACER and NKILA lncRNAs, as well as, COX-2 and NF-κB genes were measured in fifty patients with bipolar disorder and 50 healthy individuals by real-time PCR. Expression levels of NKILA and COX2 were considerably reduced in BD patients compared with healthy controls. Such significant downregulation in the expression of NKILA and PACER was only observed in male patients with BD compared with male healthy subjects. Also, according to the results of the ROC curve, the area under curve values for NKILA and COX2 were 0.68 and 0.52 respectively. Consequently, the NKILA gene could be considered a biomarker. By examining the degree of pairwise correlation between genes, all genes had a significant positive correlation with each other. Taken together, these results revealed a function for NKILA and PACER lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of BD.

First-episode mania after COVID-19: A case series in Iran

Background

Increasing reports of manic episodes in patients during acute infection with COVID-19 have been documented since the pandemic began, including individuals without a previous personal or family history of bipolar disorder. As infections and autoimmunity have putative roles in bipolar disorder, we aimed to document the clinical presentations, associated stressors, family aggregation patterns, and brain imaging and electroencephalographic correlates with a series of patients with episodes of mania that emerged shortly after COVID-19 infections.

Methods

We obtained all relevant clinical information from 12 patients whose first manic episode started within a month of COVID-19 infection and were treated at Rasool-e-Akram hospital and Iran psychiatric hospital, two tertiary medical centers in Tehran, Iran, in 2021.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 44. The interval between the onset of symptoms of COVID and mania ranged between 0 and 28 days (mean: 16.25, median: 14 days); it was observed to be shorter in patients with a family history of mood disorders but not in those receiving corticosteroids. Alongside a descriptive overview of our sample, we provide detailed narrative descriptions of two of the cases for illustrative purposes and discuss our observations in the context of other cases reported elsewhere and the state-of-the-art regarding infectious diseases, COVID-19, and bipolar disorder as reported in previous literature.

Conclusion

Our case series documents observational and naturalistic evidence from a dozen of cases of mania in the context of acute COVID-19, which, while limited, calls for analytical research of the phenomenon, and points at a family history of bipolar disorder and the use of corticosteroids as factors for particular focus.

Ketogenic Diet and Inflammation: Implications for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

The ketogenic diet, known as a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, and high-fat diet, drastically restrains the major source of energy for the body, forcing it to burn all excess fat through a process called ketosis-the breaking down of fat into ketone bodies. First suggested as a medical treatment for children suffering from epilepsy, this diet has gained increased popularity as a rapid weight loss strategy. Over the past few years, there have been numerous studies suggesting that the ketogenic diet may provide therapeutic effects for several psychiatric conditions such as mood- and anxiety-related disorders. However, despite significant progress in research, the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain largely unexplored and are yet to be fully elucidated. This chapter provides an in-depth overview of preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of a ketogenic diet in the management of mood and anxiety disorders and discusses its relationship with inflammatory processes and potential mechanisms of actions for its therapeutic effects.

Advances in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Due to bipolar disorder clinical heterogeneity, a plethora of studies have provided new genetic, epigenetic, molecular, and cellular findings associated with its pathophysiology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Genome-wide association studies and epigenetic evidence points to genotype-phenotype interactions associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, abnormalities in signaling pathways, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and circadian rhythm linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in bipolar disorder. Although the literature is constantly increasing, most of the genetic variants proposed as biomarkers remain to be validated by independent groups and use bigger samples and longitudinal approaches to enhance their power and predictive ability.

SUMMARY

Regardless of which of the mechanisms described here plays a primary or secondary role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder, all of these interact to worsen clinical outcomes for patients. Identifying new biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and response to treatment might provide novel targets to prevent progression and promote general well being.

Acetylsalicylic Acid and Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review

The effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on mood disorders (MD) and on inflammatory parameters in preclinical and clinical studies have not yet been comprehensively evaluated. The aim of this study was to systematically summarize the available knowledge on this topic according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from preclinical and clinical studies were analyzed, considering the safety and efficacy of ASA in the treatment of MD and the correlation of inflammatory parameters with the effect of ASA treatment. Twenty-one studies were included. Both preclinical and clinical studies found evidence indicating the safety and efficacy of low-dose ASA in the treatment of all types of affective episodes in MD. Observational studies have indicated a reduced risk of all types of affective episodes in chronic low-dose ASA users (HR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.95, p < 0.0001). An association between ASA response and inflammatory parameters was found in preclinical studies, but this was not confirmed in clinical trials. Further long-term clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of ASA in recurrent MD, as well as assessing the linkage of ASA treatment with inflammatory phenotype and cytokines, are required. There is also a need for preclinical studies to understand the exact mechanism of action of ASA in MD.

COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization Strategies in Malaysia: A Retrospective Analysis of Early Evidence

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that can cause extreme acute respiratory syndrome has posed a catastrophic threat to public health. The vaccines had indeed restored optimism and, after more than two years of battling the pandemic, there is renewed hope for the transition to endemicity. At the start of vaccination efforts, when supply shortages of vaccines were inevitable, every nation determined the high-risk population groups to be given priority for the COVID-19 vaccines. In this paper, the characteristics of the initial COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Malaysia are described. In line with the policies of many other countries, Malaysia firstly inoculated frontline healthcare workers, and subsequently the list of front liners grew to include defense and security personnel and those involved in the provision of essential services. People with disabilities or those with special needs and several underlying medical conditions that increased their risk of developing severe COVID-related illnesses were included in the priority categories. These included patients with severe lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, neurological disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity in adults, splenic dysfunction, and severe mental illness. With little information and under circumstances of great uncertainty, the Health Ministry of a middle-income country had developed a vaccination priority-list based on the disease's epidemiology and clinical data, vaccine type, operational considerations, and risk evaluation. Early evidence was presented and suggested that the full vaccination with any of the three predominant vaccines (AZD1222, BNT162b2, and CoronaVac) in the country had been highly effective in preventing COVID-19 infections, COVID-19-related ICU admissions, and death. As many SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoC), such as the Omicron BA.2/4/5, are emerging, future vaccination strategies may necessitate the need to change the immunogen of the vaccine, as well as considerations for when to give high-risk groups booster injections. These considerations are valuable for future planning by policymakers and healthcare providers to make vaccination policy and decisions, especially for the inclusion of the COVID-19 vaccines into national immunization programs.

Factors associated with depression, anxiety and severe mental illness among adults with atopic eczema or psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests an association between atopic eczema (AE) or psoriasis and mental illness; however, the factors associated with mental illness are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize and evaluate all available evidence on factors associated with depression, anxiety and severe mental illness (SMI) among adults with AE or psoriasis.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases, grey literature databases and clinical trial registries from inception to February 2022 for studies of adults with AE or psoriasis. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort, cross-sectional or case-control studies where effect estimates of factors associated with depression, anxiety or SMI were reported. We did not apply language or geographical restrictions. We assessed risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. We synthesized results narratively, and if at least two studies were sufficiently homogeneous, we pooled effect estimates in a random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included 21 studies (11 observational, 10 RCTs). No observational studies in AE fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Observational studies in people with psoriasis mostly investigated factors associated with depression or anxiety - one cross-sectional study investigated factors associated with schizophrenia. Pooled effect estimates suggest that female sex and psoriatic arthritis were associated with depression [female sex: odds ratio (OR) 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-2.40, 95% prediction intervals (PIs) 0.62-4.23, I2 = 24.90%, τ2 = 0.05; psoriatic arthritis: OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.56-3.25, 95% PI 0.21-24.23, I2 = 0.00%, τ2 = 0.00] and anxiety (female sex: OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.32-5.07, 95% PI 0.00-3956.27, I2 = 61.90%, τ2 = 0.22; psoriatic arthritis: OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.33-2.94, I2 = 0.00%, τ2 = 0.00). Moderate/severe psoriasis was associated with anxiety (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.25, I2 0.00%, τ2 = 0.00), but not depression. Evidence from RCTs suggested that adults with AE or psoriasis given placebo had higher depression and anxiety scores compared with comparators given targeted treatment (e.g. biologic agents).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review highlights limited existing research on factors associated with depression, anxiety and SMI in adults with AE or psoriasis. Observational evidence on factors associated with depression or anxiety in people with psoriasis was conflicting or from single studies, but some identified factors were consistent with those in the general population. Evidence on factors associated with SMIs in people with AE or psoriasis was particularly limited. Evidence from RCTs suggested that AE and psoriasis treated with placebo was associated with higher depression and anxiety scores compared with skin disease treated with targeted therapy; however, follow-up was limited. Therefore, long-term effects on mental health are unclear.

Decreased miR-15b-5p/miR-155-5p levels and increased miR-134-5p/miR-652-3p levels among BD patients under lithium treatment

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing interest about the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD). In this study, we aimed to examine the role of miRNAs as potential diagnostic and clinical biomarkers in BD.

METHODS

Fifteen miRNAs in plasmas obtained from BD patients (n = 66) and from the healthy control group (n = 66) were analyzed by a qPCR test. Clinical variables including lithium treatment response were assessed with various test batteries. The correlation of the miRNA levels with the clinical variables and scale scores was examined. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed using the DIANA-miRPath v.3.0 software to identify the possible target genes.

RESULTS

The miR-132, miR-134, miR-152, miR-607, miR-633, and miR-652 levels were significantly increased, whereas the miR-15b and miR-155 levels were found to be significantly decreased in the patient group compared to the controls. The miR-15b-5p and miR-155-5p levels and increases in the miR-134-5p and miR-652-3p levels were calculated to have 83.3 % sensitivity and 78.8 % specificity in determining the risk of BD. miR-155-5p was associated with the disease burden and severity. Fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism, viral carcinogenesis, the EBV infection, and extracellular matrix and adhesion pathways were highlighted as target pathways.

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that miRNAs may play a role in the pathophysiology of BD through various biological pathways and that miRNAs may be used as a screening test to distinguish bipolar patients from healthy controls. Our findings will provide a basis for long-term follow-up studies with larger samples.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and perceived stigma in patients with depression: a network perspective

The association between coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine acceptance and perceived stigma of having a mental illness is not clear. This study examined the association between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and perceived stigma among patients with recurrent depressive disorder (depression hereafter) using network analysis. Participants were 1149 depressed patients (842 men, 307 women) who completed survey measures of perceived stigma and COVID-19 vaccine attitudes. T-tests, chi-square tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between depressed patients who indented to accepted vaccines and those who were hesitant. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses assessed the unique association between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and perceived stigma, independent of depression severity. Network analysis examined item-level relations between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and perceived stigma after controlling for depressive symptoms. Altogether, 617 depressed patients (53.7%, 95 confidence intervals (CI) %: 50.82-56.58%) reported they would accept future COVID-19 vaccination. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated higher perceived stigma scores predicted lower levels of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance (β = -0.125, P < 0.001), even after controlling for depression severity. In the network model of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and perceived stigma nodes, "Feel others avoid me because of my illness", "Feel useless", and "Feel less competent than I did before" were the most influential symptoms. Furthermore, "COVID-19 vaccination acceptance" had the strongest connections with illness stigma items reflecting social rejection or social isolation concerns ("Employers/co-workers have discriminated", "Treated with less respect than usual", "Sense of being unequal in my relationships with others"). Given that a substantial proportion of depressed patients reported hesitancy with accepting COVID-19 vaccines and experiences of mental illness stigma related to social rejection and social isolation, providers working with this group should provide interventions to reduce stigma concerns toward addressing reluctance in receiving COVID-19 vaccines.

Correlations between peripheral levels of inflammatory mediators and frontolimbic structures in bipolar disorder: an exploratory analysis

BACKGROUND

Altered peripheral immune/inflammatory system and brain volumetric changes have been implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to evaluate how peripheral levels of cytokines are related to volumetric brain changes in euthymic patients with BD.

METHODS

Euthymic patients with BD (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 22) were enrolled in this exploratory study. Blood samples were collected on the same day of clinical assessment and neuroimaging. Cytokines were measured through cytometric bead array method. Neuroimaging data were acquired using a sagittal three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging T1-weighted fast field echo sequence and was processed using FreeSurfer.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, BD patients had significantly lower volumes in the cingulate, medial-orbitofrontal (MOF) and parahippocampal regions. We found a negative correlation between right MOF volume and interferon-gamma levels (β = -0.431, P = .049) and a positive correlation between interleukin-10 levels and left posterior cingulate volume (β = 0.457, P = .048).

CONCLUSION

Our results support the involvement of inflammatory pathways in structural brain changes in BD.

The clinical characterization of the adult patient with bipolar disorder aimed at personalization of management

Bipolar disorder is heterogeneous in phenomenology, illness trajectory, and response to treatment. Despite evidence for the efficacy of multimodal-ity interventions, the majority of persons affected by this disorder do not achieve and sustain full syndromal recovery. It is eagerly anticipated that combining datasets across various information sources (e.g., hierarchical "multi-omic" measures, electronic health records), analyzed using advanced computational methods (e.g., machine learning), will inform future diagnosis and treatment selection. In the interim, identifying clinically meaningful subgroups of persons with the disorder having differential response to specific treatments at point-of-care is an empirical priority. This paper endeavours to synthesize salient domains in the clinical characterization of the adult patient with bipolar disorder, with the overarching aim to improve health outcomes by informing patient management and treatment considerations. Extant data indicate that characterizing select domains in bipolar disorder provides actionable information and guides shared decision making. For example, it is robustly established that the presence of mixed features - especially during depressive episodes - and of physical and psychiatric comorbidities informs illness trajectory, response to treatment, and suicide risk. In addition, early environmental exposures (e.g., sexual and physical abuse, emotional neglect) are highly associated with more complicated illness presentations, inviting the need for developmentally-oriented and integrated treatment approaches. There have been significant advances in validating subtypes of bipolar disorder (e.g., bipolar I vs. II disorder), particularly in regard to pharmacological interventions. As with other severe mental disorders, social functioning, interpersonal/family relationships and internalized stigma are domains highly relevant to relapse risk, health outcomes, and quality of life. The elevated standardized mortality ratio for completed suicide and suicidal behaviour in bipolar disorder invites the need for characterization of this domain in all patients. The framework of this paper is to describe all the above salient domains, providing a synthesis of extant literature and recommendations for decision support tools and clinical metrics that can be implemented at point-of-care.

Severe psychiatric disorders and general medical comorbidities: inflammation-related mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, such as mood disorders and schizophrenia, are at increased risk of developing other medical conditions, especially cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. These medical conditions are underdiagnosed and undertreated in these patients contributing to their increased morbidity and mortality. The basis for this increased comorbidity is not well understood, possibly reflecting shared risks factors (e.g. lifestyle risk factors), shared biological mechanisms and/or reciprocal interactions. Among overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms, inflammation and related factors, such as dysbiosis and insulin resistance, stand out. Besides underlying the association between psychiatric disorders and cardiometabolic diseases, these mechanisms provide several potential therapeutic targets.

Severe mental disorders and vaccinations - a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

People with severe mental illnesses (SMI: schizophrenia, depressive disorder, bipolar disorder) have a high risk of being infected by viruses and suffer a more severe infection illness course than the general population. The aim of this literature review was to elucidate rates as well as immunogenicity and side effects of vaccinations in SMI.

METHODS

All studies in the English or German language, which investigated either prevalence rates or effects of vaccinations in the target groups, were systematically searched in the databank PubMed by three independent authors using the PRISMA guidelines and discussed in more detail.

RESULTS

The search found 24 studies reporting epidemiological data and 16 investigating immunogenicity of vaccinations. The results on prevalence rates, antibody production, inflammation response and side effects were inconsistent. About interactions with psychotropic medication, only two studies on clozapine were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a few trials with heterogeneous samples have investigated prevalence and effects of vaccinations in SMI. Sex, age and other factors such as somatic comorbidities and special vaccination programmes have not been considered continuously and may influence rates as well. As individuals with SMI might be at special risk, further research on the willingness to be vaccinated as well as efficacy of vaccinations is needed.

The Effect of Adjunctive Probiotics on Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Bipolar Disorder: A Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric illness. Concentrations of inflammatory cytokines are increased in BD. Supplementation with probiotics has shown promising effects in reducing inflammation and producing improvement in clinical symptoms in some psychiatric disorders. Therefore, we designed a clinical trial to assess the effects of adjunctive probiotics on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with BD.

METHODS

In this 8-week, double-blind, randomized study, 38 patients suffering from BD type I were given a probiotic or placebo capsule each day. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), as the primary outcome measure, and of interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde, as the secondary outcome measures, were obtained before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, the 2 groups showed no significant or clinically meaningful differences in the serum concentrations of IL-6 [Hedge g=0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.6; 0.64, P=0.936], tumor necrosis factor-α (Hedge g=-0.2, 95% CI: -0.82; 0.42, P=0.554), IL-10 (Hedge g=-0.072, 95% CI: -0.071; 0.56, P=0.827), and malondialdehyde (Hedge g=0.27, 95% CI: -0.37; 0.91, P=0.423).

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not find any significant or conclusive effects of probiotics supplementation on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with BD. Further studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn about the efficacy of probiotics in the management of BD.

Strategies and foundations for scientific discovery in longitudinal studies of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex and dynamic condition with a typical onset in late adolescence or early adulthood followed by an episodic course with intervening periods of subthreshold symptoms or euthymia. It is complicated by the accumulation of comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders. The etiology of BD remains unknown and no reliable biological markers have yet been identified. This is likely due to lack of comprehensive ontological framework and, most importantly, the fact that most studies have been based on small nonrepresentative clinical samples with cross-sectional designs. We propose to establish large, global longitudinal cohorts of BD studied consistently in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary manner to determine etiology and help improve treatment. Herein we propose collection of a broad range of data that reflect the heterogenic phenotypic manifestations of BD that include dimensional and categorical measures of mood, neurocognitive, personality, behavior, sleep and circadian, life-story, and outcomes domains. In combination with genetic and biological information such an approach promotes the integrating and harmonizing of data within and across current ontology systems while supporting a paradigm shift that will facilitate discovery and become the basis for novel hypotheses.

Catalytic Antibodies in Bipolar Disorder: Serum IgGs Hydrolyze Myelin Basic Protein

The pathogenesis of bipolar affective disorder is associated with immunological imbalances, a general pro-inflammatory status, neuroinflammation, and impaired white matter integrity. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is one of the major proteins in the myelin sheath of brain oligodendrocytes. For the first time, we have shown that IgGs isolated from sera of bipolar patients can effectively hydrolyze human myelin basic protein (MBP), unlike other test proteins. Several stringent criteria were applied to assign the studied activity to serum IgG. The level of MBP-hydrolyzing activity of IgG from patients with bipolar disorder was statistically significantly 1.6-folds higher than that of healthy individuals. This article presents a detailed characterization of the catalytic properties of MBP-hydrolyzing antibodies in bipolar disorder, including the substrate specificity, inhibitory analysis, pH dependence of hydrolysis, and kinetic parameters of IgG-dependent MBP hydrolysis, providing the heterogeneity of polyclonal MBP-hydrolyzing IgGs and their difference from canonical proteases. The ability of serum IgG to hydrolyze MBP in bipolar disorder may become an additional link between the processes of myelin damage and inflammation.

Association between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein levels and metabolic status in patients with a bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) are markers of inflammation that are elevated in bipolar disorder (BD) and are also related to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed at investigating for the first time the association between NLR, PLR, and CRP and the metabolic status in BD.

METHODS

We assessed the association between biomarkers and the metabolic status: number of metabolic risk factors, presence of MetS, insulin sensitivity (Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index, QUICKI) and insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance, HOMA-IR index), in a sample of 219 outpatients with BD.

RESULTS

25.9% of the sample met the criteria for MetS. High levels of CRP were found in 12% of the sample. Older age, low PLR, high NLR, and high CRP levels significantly predicted a higher number of MetS risk factors (p < 0.001). Older age and low PLR were associated with a greater likelihood of developing MetS (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Although further studies are needed to replicate and validate these findings, inflammatory biomarkers as CRP, PLR and NLR could be useful tools to identify patients with a BD at risk for a metabolic adverse outcome.

Overlapping Mechanisms of Action of Brain-Active Bacteria and Bacterial Metabolites in the Pathogenesis of Common Brain Diseases

The involvement of the gut microbiota and the metabolites of colon-residing bacteria in brain disease pathogenesis has been covered in a growing number of studies, but comparative literature is scarce. To fill this gap, we explored the contribution of the microbiota-gut-brain axis to the pathophysiology of seven brain-related diseases (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder). In this article, we discussed changes in bacterial abundance and the metabolic implications of these changes on disease development and progression. Our central findings indicate that, mechanistically, all seven diseases are associated with a leaky gut, neuroinflammation, and over-activated microglial cells, to which gut-residing bacteria and their metabolites are important contributors. Patients show a pro-inflammatory shift in their colon microbiota, harbouring more Gram-negative bacteria containing immune-triggering lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in their cell walls. In addition, bacteria with pro-inflammatory properties (Alistipes, Eggerthella, Flavonifractor) are found in higher abundances, whereas lower abundances of anti-inflammatory bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Coprococcus, Eucbacterium, Eubacterium rectale, Faecalibacterium, Faecalibacterium prasunitzii, Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Roseburia) are reported, when compared to healthy controls. On the metabolite level, aberrant levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are involved in disease pathogenesis and are mostly found in lower quantities. Moreover, bacterial metabolites such as neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA, glutamate, serotonin) or amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan) also play an important role. In the future, defined aberrations in the abundance of bacteria strains and altered bacterial metabolite levels could likely be possible markers for disease diagnostics and follow-ups. Moreover, they could help to identify novel treatment options, underlining the necessity for a deeper understanding of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Diabetes and mood disorders: shared mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the current evidence on the association between Diabetes mellitus (DM) and mood disorders [i.e., Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD)], and therapeutic opportunities.

METHODS

We searched in MEDLINE (via Ovid) for placebo-controlled clinical trials published in the last 20 years that assessed drug repurposing approaches for the treatment of DM or mood disorders.

RESULTS

We found seven studies that aimed to verify the effects of antidepressants in patients diagnosed with DM, and eight studies that tested the effect of antidiabetic drugs in patients diagnosed with MDD or BD. Most studies published in the last two decades did not report a positive effect of antidepressants on glycemic control in patients with DM. On the other hand, antidiabetic drugs seem to have a positive effect on the treatment of MDD and BD.

CONCLUSIONS

While effect of antidepressants on glycemic control in patients with DM is still controversial, the use of antidiabetic drugs may be a promising strategy for patients with MDD or BD. Prospective studies are still needed.Key pointsMood disorders in patients with DM affect glycemic control, potentially increasing mortality risk.The effect of antidepressants on glycemic control in patients with DM is still controversial. The coexistence of complicated DM and a mood disorders would require a careful, individualised, and comprehensive evaluation.Insulin resistance may increase the risk of depressive symptoms and is associated with worse outcomes in BD.The use antidiabetic drugs may be a promising strategy for patients with MDD or BD. However, prospective trials are needed to prove a potential antidepressant activity of antidiabetic drugs.

Blood-brain barrier dysfunction in bipolar disorder: Molecular mechanisms and clinical implications

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric disorder affecting approximately 1-3% of the population and characterized by a chronic and recurrent course of debilitating symptoms. An increasing focus has been directed to discover and explain the function of Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) integrity and its association with a number of psychiatric disorders; however, there has been limited research in the role of BBB integrity in BD. Multiple pathways may play crucial roles in modulating BBB integrity in BD, such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and alterations of neuronal plasticity. In turn, BBB impairment is hypothesized to have a significant clinical impact in BD patients. Based on the high prevalence of medical and psychiatric comorbidities in BD and a growing body of evidence linking inflammatory and neuroinflammatory mechanisms to the disorder, recent studies have suggested that BBB dysfunction may play a key role in BD's pathophysiology. In this comprehensive narrative review, we aim to discuss studies investigating biological markers of BBB in patients with BD, mechanisms that modulate BBB integrity, their clinical implications on patients, and key targets for future development of novel therapies.

Telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number in bipolar disorder: identification of a subgroup of young individuals with accelerated cellular aging

The 10-15-years decrease in life expectancy observed in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) has been linked to the concept of accelerated cellular aging. Telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) have been proposed as markers of cellular aging and comparisons between individuals with BD and healthy controls (HC) sometimes led to conflicting results. Previous studies had moderate sample sizes and studies combining these two markers into a single analysis are scarce. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we measured both TL and mtDNAcn in DNA (peripheral blood) in a sample of 130 individuals with BD and 78 HC. Regression analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and clustering analyses were performed. We observed significantly lower TL and mtDNAcn in individuals with BD as compared to HC (respective decrease of 26.5 and 35.8%). ROC analyses showed that TL and mtDNAcn highly discriminated groups (AUC = 0.904 for TL and AUC = 0.931 for mtDNAcn). In the whole population, clustering analyses identified a group of young individuals (age around 36 years), with accelerated cellular aging (both shorter TL and lower mtDNAcn), which consisted mostly of individuals with BD (85.5%). The subgroup of patients with young age but accelerated aging was not characterized by specific clinical variables related to the course of BD or childhood maltreatment. However, patients in this subgroup were more frequently treated with anticonvulsants. Further characterization of this subgroup is required to better understand the molecular mechanisms and the risk factors of accelerated cellular aging in BD.

Is there a relationship between morphological and functional platelet changes and depressive disorder?

BACKGROUND

Blood platelets, due to shared biochemical and functional properties with presynaptic serotonergic neurons, constituted, over the years, an attractive peripheral biomarker of neuronal activity. Therefore, the literature strongly focused on the investigation of eventual structural and functional platelet abnormalities in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly in depressive disorder. Given their impact in biological psychiatry, the goal of the present paper was to review and critically analyze studies exploring platelet activity, functionality, and morpho-structure in subjects with depressive disorder.

METHODS

According to the PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review through the PubMed database up to March 2020 with the search terms: (1) platelets in depression [Title/Abstract]"; (2) "(platelets[Title]) AND depressive disorder[Title/Abstract]"; (3) "(Platelet[Title]) AND major depressive disorder[Title]"; (4) (platelets[Title]) AND depressed[Title]"; (5) (platelets[Title]) AND depressive episode[Title]"; (6) (platelets[Title]) AND major depression[Title]"; (7) platelet activation in depression[All fields]"; and (8) platelet reactivity in depression[All fields]."

RESULTS

After a detailed screening analysis and the application of specific selection criteria, we included in our review a total of 106 for qualitative synthesis. The studies were classified into various subparagraphs according to platelet characteristics analyzed: serotonergic system (5-HT2A receptors, SERT activity, and 5-HT content), adrenergic system, MAO activity, biomarkers of activation, responsivity, morphological changes, and other molecular pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the large amount of the literature examined, nonunivocal and, occasionally, conflicting results emerged. However, the findings on structural and metabolic alterations, modifications in the expression of specific proteins, changes in the aggregability, or in the responsivity to different pro-activating stimuli, may be suggestive of potential platelet dysfunctions in depressed subjects, which would result in a kind of hyperreactive state. This condition could potentially lead to an increased cardiovascular risk. In line with this hypothesis, we speculated that antidepressant treatments would seem to reduce this hyperreactivity while representing a potential tool for reducing cardiovascular risk in depressed patients and, maybe, in other neuropsychiatric conditions. However, the problem of the specificity of platelet biomarkers is still at issue and would deserve to be deepened in future studies.