Similar immune profile in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia:selective increase in soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and von Willebrand factor

Abstract

Alterations in the inflammatory system have been associated with schizophrenia and mood disorders. Bipolar disorder has been less studied, and the literature is inconsistent with regard to the specific underlying mechanisms.

The study aim was to investigate inflammatory parameters in a representative sample of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia compared to healthy controls in.

Results:Plasma levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1), Interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (ILR1), Interleukin 6 (IL6), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and von Willebrand factor (vWf) was measured with ELISA techniques in a catchment area based sample of consecutively referred patients with severe mental disorders (n= 443; comprising bipolar spectrum disorder (n = 169) and schizophrenia spectrum (n = 274), and healthy volunteers (n=261)).

 

Plasma levels of sTNFR1 and vWf were highly statistically significantly increased in both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia compared to controls, but with no major differences between the two diagnostic groups. Controlling for age, gender and ethnical differences did not affect the results. There was a trend towards statistically significant elevation of hs-CRP between the two diagnostic groups and the controls.  There were no differences in other inflammation factors between the groups.

Conclusion:  The present results indicate specific alterations of endothel related inflammation processes in severe mental disorders.