Role of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein as a Biomarker and Endophenotype in Mania

Abstract

Objective: To assess the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a biomarker, trait marker, and endophenotype in mania.

Methods: Forty patients with mania, 40 of their first-degree relatives, and 30 healthy controls were recruited via a purposive sampling method from May 2020 to February 2021. hs-CRP levels were measured in all groups at baseline. The patient group was evaluated with the Young Mania Rating Scale, and hs-CRP levels were assessed in all participants at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.

Results: hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls and first-degree relatives (P = .001). However, hs-CRP levels were not higher in first-degree relatives compared to healthy controls. There was a significant reduction in total YMRS and domain scores and hs-CRP levels in patients at weeks 2 and 6 compared to baseline (P = .02).

Conclusions: The blood hs-CRP level is a biomarker in mania, which may be a newer approach to detect disease progression and perhaps guide novel therapies. hs-CRP as an endophenotype requires further evaluation in future studies.