Plasma MCP-1 levels in bipolar depression during cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor combination treatment.

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder Depression (BDD) and altered levels of inflammatory mediators, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, aka CCL2) have been reported. This study reports specifically on MCP-1 levels, as a potential marker of BDD and/or treatment response in patients receiving combination treatment with the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, celecoxib (CBX).

Methods: In this randomized, 10-week, double-blind, two-arm, placebo-controlled study, 47 patients with treatment resistant BDD received either escitalopram (ESC) + CBX, or ESC + placebo (PBO).

Vascular endothelial growth factor in bipolar depression: A potential biomarker for diagnosis and treatment outcome prediction.

Background: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has been implicated in the neurotrophic model of depression. We explored the potential role of VEGF in the pathophysiology of bipolar depression and potential utility as a diagnostic or outcome predictive biomarker.

Methods: In a double-blind study, treatment-resistant bipolar depressed patients received Escitalopram and were randomized to receive add-on Celecoxib (26 participants) or Placebo (21 participants).

Plasma C-reactive protein levels in bipolar depression during cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor combination treatment.

Immune system activation and neuroinflammation appear to play a key role in the pathophysiology and treatment of bipolar depression (BDD). This study is the first to analyze blood levels of the pro-inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP) in bipolar disorder patients treated with the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, celecoxib (CBX). In this double-blind study, 47 consenting patients with BDD were randomized to receive either escitalopram (10 mg twice/day) + CBX (200 mg twice/day), or escitalopram (10 mg twice/day) + placebo (twice/day).