Gene-expression differences in peripheral blood between lithium responders and non-responders in the Lithium Treatment-Moderate dose Use Study (LiTMUS)

Pharmacogenomics J. 2014 Apr;14(2):182-91. doi: 10.1038/tpj.2013.16. Epub 2013 May 14.

Abstract

This study was designed to identify genes whose expression in peripheral blood may serve as early markers for treatment response to lithium (Li) in patients with bipolar disorder. Although changes in peripheral blood gene-expression may not relate directly to mood symptoms, differences in treatment response at the biochemical level may underlie some of the heterogeneity in clinical response to Li. Subjects were randomized to treatment with (n=28) or without (n=32) Li. Peripheral blood gene-expression was measured before and 1 month after treatment initiation, and treatment response was assessed after 6 months. In subjects treated with Li, 62 genes were differentially regulated in treatment responders and non-responders. Of these, BCL2L1 showed the greatest difference between Li responders and non-responders. These changes were specific to Li responders (n=9), and were not seen in Li non-responders or patients treated without Li, suggesting that they may have specific roles in treatment response to Li.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00667745.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / genetics*
  • Bipolar Disorder / pathology
  • Blood Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Lithium / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • bcl-X Protein / biosynthesis*
  • bcl-X Protein / genetics

Substances

  • BCL2L1 protein, human
  • Blood Proteins
  • bcl-X Protein
  • Lithium

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00667745