Objective: The relationship between psychiatric disorders and oxidative stress has been a current issue discussed recently. Increased oxidative stress and in parallel increased antioxidant capacity were shown in bipolar disorder. These increases in oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity could return to normal with treatment. The preliminary results of the study that aimed to examine the oxidative stress capacity of patients with bipolar disorder will be presented.
Methods: Total oxidant and antioxidant capacity of 82 patients admitted to the psychiatric clinic with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, manic or hypomanic episode according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM IV) diagnostic criteria were determined. The data of 42 patients who completed follow-up were analyzed and evaluated in detail. The relationship between oxidative stress levels and number of attacks and their properties of bipolar patients hospitalized due to mania or hypomania episode were determined.
Results: Total oxidative levels (TOL) and total antioxidant levels (TAL) of the patients were higher than control group (p<0.05). TOL of patients with a single episode was 2.37±2.22 µmol H2O2 Eqv/L, and TAL was 2.05±0.29 mmol Trolox Eqv./L. In the patients with more than one episode, TOL was 1.72±1.59 µmol H2O2 Eqv/L, and TAL was 2.51±1.63 mmol Trolox Eqv./L. There were significant differences in the level of TAL (Z= 2.184, p= 0.029) between patients with a single episode and patients with more than one episode. There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of TAS and TOS between patients hospitalized for mania or hypomania. There was positive correlation between TAL and the number of attacks (Rho=0.393, p=0.022).
Discussion: Although our findings coincide with the literature findings, differed in some aspects. In response to oxidative stress, antioxidant systems were expected to be activated. Our results did not fully verify this information. Systematic studies with broad participation are needed about this issue.