Abstract
Recent studies highlight the presence of systemic toxicity as an integral dimension of bipolar disorder pathophysiology, possibly linking this mood disorder with other medical conditions and comorbidities. This review summarizes recent findings on possible peripheral biomarkers of illness activity, with a focus on neurotrophins, inflammation and oxidative stress. The possible mechanisms underlying the systemic toxicity associated with acute episodes in bipolar disorder are also discussed. Finally, the authors outline novel therapies that emerge from this new research and the assessment of multiple biomarkers as a potential approach to improving management strategies in bipolar disorder.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
F Kapczinski has received grant/research support from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Janssen-Cilag, Servier, CNPq, CAPES, NARSAD and the Stanley Medical Research Institute; has been a member of the speakers’ boards for AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Janssen and Servier; and has served as a consultant for Servier. B Pfaffenseller, GR Fries, B Wollenhaupt-Aguiar and L Stertz are supported by scholarships from Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nıvel Superior (CAPES), Brazil. PVS Magalhães is supported by a postdoctoral scholarship from Fapergs/CAPES, Brazil. GD Colpo and B Panizzutti are supported by scholarships from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.