ABSTRACT
Objective To examine the effect of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) on the plasma oxida-tive stress level in bipolar depression. Methods Forty-two patients with bipolar depression were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group (n=18) received antidepressants and 12 times MECT for 6 weeks and the control group (n=24) received antidepressants and Li2CO3 for 6 weeks. The Chinese versions of the 17 items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) were used to assess participants at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. The plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA)were detected at baseline and after 6 weeks to assess the level of oxidative stress. Results Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the plasma level of SOD was higher in MECT group than in Li2CO3 group (F=15.26, P<0.01), and the level of MDA was higher in Li2CO3 group (F=18.18, P<0.01). The interactive effect of group and time was significant in GSH-Px level (F=6.39, P=0.02). The level of GSH-Px was lower in MECT group than in Li2CO3 group after 6 weeks (P<0.05). The CAT level was higher in the response patients than in non-response patients after 6 weeks (P<0.05). Con-clusions Both MECT treatment and Li2CO3 treatment can alter oxidative stress levels in patients with bipolar depression. The mechanisms underlying its therapeutic regimen may correct the imbalance of the plasma CAT level.