High-sensitive C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels in patients with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder, their first-degree relatives, and healthy control persons—Results from a clinical study

Abstract

Background. Changes in inflammatory and metabolic markers are implicated in the pathogenesis in both the development and progression of bipolar disorder (BD). Notwithstanding, these markers have not been investigated in newly diagnosed BD. Methods. We compared high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels in 372 patients with newly diagnosed BD, 106 unaffected first-degree relatives (URs), and 201 healthy control persons (HCs). Within the patient group, we also investigated possible associations between hs-CRP and Hcy, respectively, with illness-related characteristics and psychotropic medication. Results. No statistically significant differences in Hcy and hs-CRP levels were found when comparing BD and URs with HCs. Similarly, there were no differences when comparing only patients in remission or patients with affective symptoms, respectively, with HCs. Hcy levels were found to be 11.9% (95% CI: 1.030-1.219) higher in patients with BD when compared with their URs (p = 0.008), when adjusting for folate and cobalamin status, age, sex, and self-reported activity levels. Hcy levels were significantly associated with folate, cobalamin, gender, and age in all models (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Our results do not support hs-CRP or Hcy as markers in newly diagnosed BD.

Study on the Correlation between Hcy and Hs-CRP Levels and Cognitive Function in Patients with Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder

“…cell density, neuronal damage, and inflammatory stress response, and further affect cognitive function [27]. Changes in inflammatory and metabolic markers are associated with the pathogenesis of the onset and progression of BD [20]. We explored their association with cognitive function by detecting Hcy and hs-CRP expression levels in the patient's serum.…”

“…The expression level of high-sensitivity Creactive protein (hs-CRP) is one of the typical indicators reflecting neuroinflammation, and it can promote phagocytosis and activate complement [19]. Both contribute significantly to the onset and progression of cognitive dysfunction in BD and are anticipated to emerge as novel biomarkers [20]. Domestic and international research predominantly examines Hcy, hs-CRP, and cognitive function within dementia, cerebrovascular diseases, and similar conditions.…”

The Effects of Plasma Homocysteine Level on the Risk of Three Major Psychiatric Disorders: A Mendelian Randomization Study

“…However, few studies explored the relationships between Hcy level and the treatment of SCZ and BD. Meanwhile, no significant differences in Hcy levels were found when comparing patients with SCZ ( 13 ), MDD ( 14 ), and BD ( 15 ) to healthy controls. Thus, the causal relationship between Hcy level and MPDs risk remains unclear.…”