OBJECTIVE
To determine the serum concentrations of some proteins identified in the blood serum of patients with bipolar affective disorder (BD) and to evaluate the relationship of their concentrations with clinical characteristics of BD.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Protein concentrations of cadherin 5, coagulation factor XIII and ANKRD12 gene product in the blood serum of patients with BD and healthy individuals were determined using commercial ELISA kits. The severity of current depression and the main clinical manifestations of BD were assessed by SIGH-SAD and CGI upon admission to the hospital before the prescription of therapy. Data analysis was carried out using the Kruskal—Wallis and Mann—Whitney tests.
RESULTS
Comparison between subgroups of BD patients, selected in accordance with the current affective episode (hypomanic, manic, depressive and mixed), and control group by the Kruskal—Wallis test has shown the significant difference in ANKRD12 protein product concentration (p=0.0448). When comparing pairwise each subgroup with the control group, the significant difference in ANKRD12 product concentration was found only in the case of a subgroup of BD patients with current depressive episode (Mann—Whitney test, p=0.006). Pairwise comparison of the ANKRD12 product concentrations in subgroups of BD patients with different disease duration (<5 years, 6—10 years, and >11 years) and in the control group by the Mann—Whitney test has revealed significant differences (p=0.04, p=0.01, p=0.02, respectively), the maximum protein concentration was found in patients with disease duration >11 years. Significant negative correlation of cadherin 5 concentration with the severity of atypical depressive symptoms assessed by SIGH-SAD (r=–0.69, p=0.038) and the decrease in cadherin 5 concentration in BD patients with greater severity of the current depressive episode were revealed. Significant negative correlation was found between factor XIII concentration and CGI scores (r=–0.62, p=0.032).
CONCLUSION
The results indicate a possible link of the studied proteins with BD pathogenesis. Further study of these proteins may contribute to the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic techniques.
