Causes, Pathogenesis and Biomarkers of Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious psychiatric disease marked by recurring episodes of mania and depression. BD is often misdiagnosed as depression because the disease recurs and the manic phase is not easy to detect, which delays subsequent treatment. Since the diagnosis of BD is currently mainly through subjective forms such as clinical interviews and is relatively difficult, exploring its biopathological mechanisms as deeply as possible will help better diagnosis and treatment. This essay will concentrate on the biological factors that may contribute to BD. This article will summarize the existing identified or possible causes of BD from five aspects: genetic factors, molecular neurobiological clue, sun radiation changes, insights from neuroimaging and biomarkers. To begin with, BD is a highly heritable psychiatric disorder, and multiple genetic loci have been identified. Furthermore, advances in understanding the ZNF04A molecular foundations of the genetic associations in BD. What’s more, sun radiation changes affect serotonin changes, which in turn affect mood changes, ultimately leading to mood disorders. Moreover, changes in brain volume and cortical thickness are a key feature of patients with BD. Last but not least, Abnormal changes in uric acid-related factors and the gut microbiota may lead to BD. These causes deepen our understanding of the biological etiology of BD, find new treatment candidates, and prioritize functional follow-up research techniques.