Cardiovascular and psychiatric characteristics associated with oxidative stress markers among adolescents with bipolar disorder

Abstract

Introduction In the field of bipolar disorder (BD) research there is an absence of validated biomarkers and limited understanding of the biology underlying excessive and premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Oxidative stress is a potential biomarker in both BD and CVD. Objective To examine psychiatric and cardiovascular characteristics associated with peripheral oxidative stress markers among adolescents with BD, who are at high risk for CVD. Methods Participants were 30 adolescents, 13-19years old, with BD and without CVD. Ultrasonography was used to evaluate vascular function and structure. Traditional CVD risk factors were also measured. Psychiatric assessments were conducted via semi-structured interview. Serum levels of oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxides (LPH) and protein carbonylation (PC)) were assayed. Results Compared to published data on adults with BD, adolescents had significantly lower levels of LPH and PC (t52(11.34), p Conclusion Adolescents with BD have lower levels of oxidative stress compared to adults with BD, supporting prevailing illness staging theories for BD. Oxidative stress is robustly associated with a proxy measure of atherosclerosis and may explain in part the increased risk of CVD in BD.