Study on serum concentrations of homocysteine and relation factors in the patients with manic episodes of bipolar I disorder

Abstract

Objective To explore the association between serum levels of homocysteine(Hcy) and relation factors in the patients with manic episodes of bipolar I disorder(BD). Methods The case-control study was used for this study. A total of 73 inpatients with manic episodes of BD(patient group) and 39 healthy individuals(control group) were enrolled. Diagnosis was made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition(DSM-IV)criteria.Serum levels of Hcy was measured by enzymatic cycling assay. Young Mania Rating Scale(YMRS) were used to assess the severity of clinical symptoms of patients. Results There was a statistical difference in serum Hcy levels between patient group((16.89±14.67)μmol/L) and control group((10.61±6.46)μmol/L)(P<0.01), and serum Hcy levels was higher in men((20.42±16.52)μmol/L) than that in women((10.87±8.02)μmol/L) in patients group(P<0.05). The prevalence rate of high Hcy was 35.6% in the patient group and 13.5% in the control group(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed body mass index(BMI) had positive correlation with serum levels of Hcy(r=0.317, P<0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed male, BMI were associated with serum levels of Hcy among the patients(all P<0.05). Conclusion Serum Hcy levels in the patients with manic episodes of bipolar I disorder increase, and it is associated with gender and BMI. Key words: Bipolar disorder; Homocysteine; Manic episodes