Augmentation in NF-κB, NRF2 and FAAH Gene Expression in Bipolar Depression

Abstract

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is associated with increased inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor implicated in the antioxidant response while the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) participates in the transcription of genes related to the inflammatory response. The enzymes monoacylglycerol lipase (MGLL) and fatty-acid-amide hydrolase (FAAH) are endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes whose inhibition leads to a reduction in neuroinflammation. If implicated in BD, these factors might become novel treatment targets.