Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor as a Predictor of Response to Treatment in Bipolar Depression and Mania: 16-weeks Follow-up With Quetiapine XR

Summary

There is sound evidence that quetiapine is effective in the treatment of manic and depressive episodes associated with Bipolar Disorder (BD) (Yatham et al 2006). However, even with the development of effective new treatment options, not all patients respond to treatments available. Biological markers have been investigated as predictors of response to treatment and of remission of symptoms. This would explain in part the individual's differences in the response to treatment, taking into account the genetic variability plus environmental factors influencing specific biological markers. A potential biological marker of response to treatment in BD would be the levels of neurotrophins, as they are, in fact, altered during acute mood episodes (Cunha et al 2006). Among neurotrophins, the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been repeatedly and consistently reported to be associated with BD physiopathology (Post 2007). Furthermore, medications that are known to be effective in BD, like lithium and divalproex, increase BDNF levels.

Timeline

Start

2009-03

Primary completion

2011-09

Completion

2011-09

Publications

• Grande I, Kapczinski F, Stertz L, Colpo GD, Kunz M, Cereser KM, Kauer-Sant'Anna M, Frey B, Vieta E, Magalhaes PV. Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor changes along treatment with extended release quetiapine during acute mood episodes: an open-label trial in drug-free patients with bipolar disorder. J Psychiatr Res. 2012 Nov;46(11):1511-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.08.017. Epub 2012 Aug 30.

Drugs

Indications