Tumor necrosis factor receptor in Egyptian patients with bipolar disorder during mania: a case–controlled study

Abstract

Background The role of inflammation has received increasing attention as a potential pathophysiological mechanism in bipolar disorder (BD). Objective To compare the level of soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 1 (sTNFR1) in manic state of BD with healthy controls and investigate the relation between its level and the severity of BD. Patients and methods Serum levels of sTNFR1 were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques in 44 patients with BD-I during the manic episode and 88 healthy controls recruited from Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo University. The severity of the manic symptoms was assessed using Young Mania Rating Scale. Results The level of sTNFR1 was higher in patients with BD-I, with the most recent episode manic, than in healthy control. Patients with BD-I, with the most recent episode manic, with psychotic features had higher levels of sTNFR1 than those without psychotic features. sTNFR1 level correlated with Young Mania Rating Scale scores. Conclusion High level of sTNFR1 may be considered as state marker in manic episodes in patients with BD-I. The more severe the disease, the higher the level of sTNFR1.