The MTHFR gene predict weight change in drug-naive patients with bipolar II disorder

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Sheng-Yu Lee, Yun-Hsuan Chang, Liang-Jen Wang and Ru-Band Lu

Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan

National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan

Chang Gung University, Taiwan

National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan

: J Spine Neurosurg

Abstract

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Objective: Patients with BP-II have a higher prevalence rate of metabolic disturbance and obesity than do the general population. Genetic variants of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene have been regarded as predictors of weight gain in schizophrenia. In the present study, we investigated whether the MTHFR C677T polymorphism may predict changes in metabolic indices after 12 weeks of treatment in patients with BP-II. Methods: First diagnosed patients (n=117) with BP-II according to DSM-IV criteria were recruited. Metabolic profiles (cholesterol, triglyceride, HbA1C, fasting serum glucose, body mass index (BMI)) were measured at baseline and 2, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment. The genotype of the MTHFR polymorphism was determined using a polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Multiple linear regressions with generalized estimating equation methods were used for analysis of repeated assessments. Results: Seventy-six (65.0%) patients completed the intervention. Significantly difference in BMI change was associated with the MTHFR C677T genotypes (P=0.005). Patients with the C/C genotypes had higher frequency of metabolic syndrome at baseline than those with the C/T+T/T genotypes; no significant difference in frequency of metabolic syndrome was found at between the two genotypes after 12 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: We conclude that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with changes in BMI and metabolic syndrome in BP-II patients after 12 weeks of treatment.

Biography

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