Scientists
lead by researchers at university of Massachusetts Medical School and
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine believe they have identified an
essential pathway that influences bipolar disorder. They believe their findings
can lead to a better treatment of bipolar disorder and other related mood
disorders. The research was based on Old Order Amish families in Pennsylvania
who had a high occurrence of bipolar disorder and have a rare genetic
dwarfism known as Ellis van-Creveld (EvC) syndrome. Using 40 years of
documentation across several generations, researchers found that no person with
EvC ever reported with bipolar disease. These finding lead researchers to
believe that this genetic conditions protects against bipolar affective
disease.
Bipolar affective disorder is an
illness known for recurring swings of mania to periods of extreme sadness and
depression. Periods of mania usually involve a person with abnormally high
energy leading to sleep reduction. A person is abnormally impulsive, happy, and
energetic. The periods of depression are characterized by crying, and a
negative perception of the world.
Studies
have already proven that there are genetic components that lead to the illness.
Genetic mutations that disrupt a signaling pathway called Sonic Hedgehog (Shh)
produce EvC dwarfism. Statistical analyses found a significant negative
correlation between EvC and bipolar disorder. I believe this study offers
insight on improving treatment for devastating disorders such as bipolar
disease. It is interesting to see how beneficial an observational based study
can be. Further, it makes me wonder what other mechanisms could be interacting
and inhibiting one another that have yet to be discovered. Overall, this study
has both medical and research-based implications.
I think it would be great if they could find a background of where bipolar disorder comes from. It affects peoples lives immensely. If researchers can find better treatment for this disorder it can help many peoples lives who are struggling day to day with it.
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