ABSTRACT
Studies have previously documented that microRNAs (miRNAs), with their key roles in regulating both synaptic plasticity and brain development, are candidate genetic contributors to the etiopathology of bipolar disorder (BD). Moreover, miRNA identified as targets for the actions of chronic lithium and VPA are known to play diverse and intriguing roles in brain function. In particular, the brain specific miR-134 has recently been identified as a potential regulator of dendritic spine volume and synapse formation. Recently, circulating miRNAs have been reported as promising biomarkers for various pathologic conditions. We assessed the hypothesis that miRNA-134 may be present and detectable in circulating blood, and that miRNA-134 may serve as a biomarker of mania episodes in BD. In the present study, we recruited 21 bipolar I, manic (DSM-IV) patients and controls matched by sex and age for quantification of miR-134 level in plasma using real-time RT-PCR method. We found that: Plasma miR-134 levels in drug-free, 2-week medicated, and 4-week medicated bipolar mania patients were significantly decreased when compared with controls, and the level was increased on following medication. Decreased circulating miR-134 level both in drug-free and medicated patients did presented negative correlation with the clinical scales. Overall, these results suggest that the decreased plasma miR-134 levels may be directly associated with the pathophysiology and severity of manic symptoms in BD. Plasma miRNA-134 in BD may be considered as a potential peripheral marker that can respond to acute manic episodes and associate with effective mood stabilizers treatment.
Subject(s)
Bipolar Disorder/blood , MicroRNAs/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Bipolar Disorder/drug therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Plasma/metabolism , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and distribution of mental disorders among registered and non-registered residents in Shenzhen. METHODS: An epidemiological survey on mental disorders were carried out in Shenzhen by stratified multi-stage randomized sampling method; 7134 respondents were assessed through face-to-face interview, using the WHO standardized version on World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI3.1). RESULTS: (1) The weighting prevalence of mental disorders was 21.87%. The prevalence of non-registered residents was significantly higher than that of the registered residents (22.34% vs. 19.99%; OR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.03-1.29; P<0.05) and the prevalence of females was significantly higher than that of males (22.68% vs. 19.67%; OR= 1.20, 95%CI: 1.07-1.34; P<0.05). The weighting prevalence of mood disorders, anxiety disorders and psychoses were 9.62%, 14.45% and 1.40%, respectively. (2) The weighting twelve-month incidence of mental disorders was 13.42%. The incidence of non-registered residents was significantly higher than that of the registered residents (13.80% vs. 11.90%; OR=1.19, 95%CI: 1.03-1.36; P<0.05). (3)The co-morbidity rate between mental disorders was 35.76%. (4)The prevalence and severity of mental disorders were associated with sex, household situation of registration, marital status, education, economic condition and occupation status. CONCLUSION: Mental disorders have become common diseases and serious public health problem in Shenzhen, with non-registered residents and females deserve more attention.
