Increased oxidative stress and DNA damage in bipolar disorder: a twin-case report.
OBJECTIVE
There is an emerging body of data suggesting that oxidative stress may be associated with the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). In the present study we investigated the oxidative stress profile in two monozygotic twins during a manic episode.


METHODS
Two monozygotic twins diagnosed as currently manic by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV were studied. Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured as parameters of oxidative stress. DNA damage was assessed using the single cell gel electrophoresis technique (Comet Assay). All biochemical measures were conducted at baseline and after a 6-week treatment.


RESULTS
Bipolar twins had higher TBARS, SOD and DNA damage, and lower CAT than the healthy control. TBARS and SOD were normalized after mood stabilization, whereas CAT and DNA damage remained altered at week 6.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of BD and that pharmacological treatment may exert antioxidant effects. Studies with larger samples are warranted to further clarify this issue.
Frey
Benício N
BN
Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600/Anexo, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Andreazza
Ana C
AC
Kunz
Maurício
M
Gomes
Fabiano A
FA
Quevedo
João
J
Salvador
Mirian
M
Gonçalves
Carlos Alberto
CA
Kapczinski
Flávio
F
D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D002746:Chlorpromazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism; D017392:Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D014427:Twins
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017392:Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D002746:Chlorpromazine