Journal of Capital Medical University ›› 2016, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (2): 158-163.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2016.02.010

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Effect of treatment with different mood stabilizers on glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with bipolar mania

Li Xiaohong1, Cai Zhuoji2, Liu Min3, Wang Gang2,4   

  1. 1. Ward No. 4 of Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China;
    2. Mood Disorders Center, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China;
    3. Disease Resource Library Center, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China;
    4. National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders;Center of Depression, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100088, China
  • Received:2016-01-20 Online:2016-04-21 Published:2016-04-14
  • Supported by:
    This study was supported by National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Project.

Abstract: Objective To explore the therapeutic effects of of different mood stabilizers single or combined atypical antipsychotics on glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) activity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with bipolar mania. Methods Thirty-six patients with bipolar I mania were enrolled for treatment with mood stabilizers single or combined atypical antipsychotics for eight weeks. Twenty mL of blood was collected from each patient by venipuncture at week 0, week 4 and week 8. The level of pSer21-GSK3α;pSer9-GSK3β, total GSK3α and GSK3β in PBMCs of patients were measured by Western blotting. Clinical symptoms were assessed with the Young mania ratings scale (YMRS) and other clinical rating scales at the same time. Results The average scores of YMRS, and CGI-S significantly reduced at week 8 compared with those at week 0 (P<0.001); meanwhile, the level of pSer21-GSK3α and pSer9-GSK3β increased at week 8; Compared with valproate group, the relative ratio of pSer-GSK3β/total-GSK3β was higher than that of lithium group (P=0.020). There was a positive correlation between ratio of pSer9-GSK3β to toal-GSK3β at baseline and the average score of YMRS reduction from baseline to week 0 (P=0.043). Excluding patients with manic episodes more than 3 times, there was a significant trend of increase (P=0.020). The correlation was significant in lithium group. However, it did not appear in valproate group. Conclusion Mood stabilizers single or combined atypical antipsychotics could decrease glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) activity in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with bipolar mania. Compared with valproate treatment, lithium single or combined treatment could significantly reduce the activity of GSK3 of patients with bipolar mania.

Key words: bipolar disorder, manic episode, mood stabilize, lithium, valproate, atypical antipsychotic, glycogen synthase kinase 3

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