Abstract

Associations between DNA methylation of Promoter Exon IX, Serum Protein and mRNA levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic factor in Patients with Bipolar Mania

Author(s): Chin-Chuen Lin, Yi-Yung Hung, Tiao-Lai Huang

Abstract

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could be as a molecular candidate for the development of bipolar disorder. We tried to investigate the relationships among BDNF promoter exon IX gene methylation, BDNF protein, and mRNA levels between patients with bipolar mania and healthy controls in peripheral blood.

Methods: Thirty-nine patients with bipolar mania and 39 healthy controls were recruited in this study. Psychiatric diagnoses were made according to DSM-IV criteria. Clinical severity of mania was assessed by the Young Mania Rating Scale, and only those with a score greater than 26 were recruited. After four weeks of medical treatment, 34 patients agreed to a follow-up evaluation.