Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines with clinical features in euthymic patients with Bipolar-I-Disorder.

Background: A chronic low-grade inflammatory state appears to be a relevant mechanism in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Pro-inflammatory cytokines may influence disease course and individual symptomatology; and biological markers correlating with illness features may be of utility in clinical decision making during euthymia.

Methods: 51 euthymic outpatients with Bipolar-I-Disorder (BD-I) and 93 healthy controls (HC) were investigated.

Val66Met polymorphism association with serum BDNF and inflammatory biomarkers in major depression.

Objectives: Current evidence supports participation of neurotrophic and inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Some studies reported an association between the Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene with MDD and peripheral BDNF levels. However, no previous studies have examined the association of this polymorphism with inflammation.

Illness severity and biomarkers in depression: Using a unidimensional rating scale to examine BDNF.

Background: Numerous studies have reported reduced peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in major depression (MD). However, most of these studies used multidimensional depression rating scales, and failed to identify a relationship between BDNF levels and depression severity. Unidimensional scales are a more valid measure of syndrome severity.