Serum Galectin-1, Galectin-9, and YKL-40 levels in bipolar disorder and their relationship with cognitive functions

PURPOSE

The number of studies conducted on the role of neuroinflammation in the etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder has been increasing in recent years. The role of Galectin-1, Galectin-9, and YKL-40, which are considered to play roles in neuroinflammation and the etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder, and the relationship of these parameters with cognitive functions were investigated in the present study.

METHOD

Serum Galectin-1, Galectin-9, and YKL-40 levels were measured with the ELISA Method in 64 bipolar euthymic patients and 64 healthy controls. The Stroop and trail-making tests were administered to assess cognitive functions in all participants.

RESULTS

Serum Galectin-1, Galectin-9, and YKL-40 levels were statistically and significantly lower in the patient group when compared to the healthy control group. The scores of the Stroop test and trail-making tests were statistically higher in the patient group than in the healthy control group. There was a weak and positive correlation between serum Galectin-1, Galectin-9, and YKL-40 levels and cognitive performance in all participants.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Statistically significant low levels of serum Galectin-1, Galectin-9, and YKL-40 detected in the patient group suggest that these parameters have important roles in neuroinflammation. The statistically higher Stroop and trail-making test scores of the patient group compared to the control group indicates that the cognitive performance of the patient group was weaker. Also, the positive correlation between Galectin-1, Galectin-9, and YKL-40 levels and cognitive performance suggests that these molecules may have a neuroprotective role. We think that the present study will contribute to this field where there is very limited data in the literature.

A new method of energy prescription to improve weight loss

Clinical outcome audit was carried out on two groups of obese out-patients for a 3-month follow-up period. In the first audit group of 35 patients (A1), energy intake was prescribed by diet history, whereas in the second audit group of 27 patients (A2) energy intake was prescribed from an estimate of individual energy requirements based on age, sex, and activity. There was no significant difference in age or initial BMI between the two groups and the failure-to-attend rate was the same in each group. Patients in Group A2 received a significantly higher energy prescription (P<0.001) than Group A1, but this was still significantly more restricted than the recommended 500 kcal energy deficit from energy expenditure (P<0.05). Weight loss was significant in both groups, but was greater in Group A2 than in Group A1. There was no significant correlation between weight loss and energy deficit. In a selected group of patients from Group A2 who were prescribed energy intake close to the recommended deficit of 500 kcal, weight loss was found to be significantly greater (P<0.05) when compared to the weight loss in Group A1. Results suggest that a diet prescription with an energy deficit below the estimated energy requirements does not lead to greater weight loss and probably reduces compliance. Estimating individual energy requirements rather than using dietary assessment may improve weight loss.