title: Bipolar Disorder and Inflammation.
abstract: The pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) remains poorly understood. Current psychopharmacologic treatments are often poorly tolerated and carry high rates of treatment resistance. Mounting evidence has suggested that innate immune system dysfunction may play a role in the pathophysiology of BD. Elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels have been identified. The innate immune system is a novel therapeutic target in BD. Lithium has been shown to have antiinflammatory properties. Further research is needed to establish the role of antiinflammatory agents in the treatment of BD; however, evidence from several clinical trials indicates that antiinflammatory agents may be incorporated into clinical practice soon.
authors.affiliation: Mood Disorder Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street, MP 9-325, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada.
authors.forename: Joshua D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Rosenblat
authors.affiliation: Mood Disorder Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street, MP 9-325, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada. Electronic address: roger.mcintyre@uhn.ca.
authors.forename: Roger S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: McIntyre
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines
keywords: Antiinflammatory; Bipolar depression; Inflammation; Infliximab; Innate immune system; Minocycline; NAC; NSAIDs