Peripheral insulin-like growth factor 1 in bipolar disorder

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a recurrent and highly incapacitating illness, related to inflammation and changes in the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The objective of this study was to evaluate serum levels of IGF-1 in bipolar disorder patients and its relation to inflammation. We included 31 patients with bipolar disorder and 33 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of IGF-1, growth hormone (GH), insulin and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were analyzed. The serum levels of IGF-1 seem to be increased in bipolar disorder patients (248.84±104.91ng/mL) compared to controls (169.18±74.16ng/mL). Comparing reference values of IGF serum concentrations between groups, we found that 32% of patients had increased IGF-1 serum concentrations while only 3% of subjects are above normal range. We did not find statistically significant differences between groups in the concentration of insulin, GH, and TNF-α. This study suggests an association between IGF-1 in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. It is possible that this peripheral increase is related to a central nervous system increased resistance to IGF-1, thus reducing its neuroprotective action.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; IGF-1; Inflammation; Neurotrophins.