Bipolar Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bipolar, including details on bipolar disorder, symptoms, treatment, depression, medication.

DNA damage in bipolar disorder.

Andreazza AC, Noronha Frey B, Erdtmann B, Salvador M, Rombaldi F, Santin A, Gonçalves CA, Kapczinski F

Department of Biochemistry, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600/Anexo. Zip code: 90035-003. Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a prevalent, chronic, severe, and highly disabling psychiatric disorder that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to general medical conditions. There is an emerging body of evidence correlating chronic medical conditions with DNA damage. The present study was designed to assess DNA damage in BD patients using the comet assay (CA). Thirty-two bipolar-I outpatients diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV were matched with 32 healthy volunteers. Manic and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, respectively. Peripheral blood samples were collected and a standard protocol for CA preparation and analysis was performed. The present study showed that BD outpatients present an increased frequency of DNA damage relative to controls. The frequency of DNA damage correlated with the severity of symptoms of depression and mania.

Published 17 September 2007 in Psychiatry Res, 153(1): 27-32.
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