COVID-19, Anxiety, and Body Mass Index Increase Leptin Levels: a Cross-sectional Multicentric Study.

Although many efforts have been made to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19, critical gaps remain to be explored. This study aimed to investigate potential alterations in adipokine levels (specifically adiponectin, leptin, and resistin) among individuals with COVID-19. Within this population, we further assessed the association between these markers with both, body mass index (BMI) and psychiatric symptoms. This cross-sectional study included an age- and sex-matched sample of adults with COVID-19 (cases) and without COVID-19 (controls). We evaluated the severity of psychiatric symptoms, BMI, and adipokines. Individuals with COVID-19 presented greater BMI, stress levels, and leptin levels when compared to controls. Leptin levels were greater in individuals with moderate/severe COVID-19 as compared to individuals with COVID-19 who were asymptomatic or having mild symptoms. Leptin levels were positively correlated with BMI, severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and stress levels in the total sample. Leptin levels were also positively correlated with BMI, severity of anxiety symptoms, and stress levels in controls. In cases, there was a positive correlation between adiponectin and the severity of depressive symptoms and stress levels and leptin/resistin with BMI. A linear regression model revealed that BMI, severity of anxiety symptoms, and the diagnosis of COVID-19 are independently associated with increased leptin levels. Thus, leptin levels seem to be impacted by the COVID-19 infection, anxiety, and BMI.

Stress levels, psychological symptoms, and C-reactive protein levels in COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have pointed out a possible relationship between COVID-19 and the presence of psychiatric disorders, the majority of the studies have significant limitations. This study investigates the influence of COVID-19 infection on mental health. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included an age- and sex-matched sample of adult individuals positive (cases) or negative (controls) for COVID-19. We evaluated the presence of psychiatric conditions and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Findings showed greater severity of depressive symptoms, higher levels of stress, and greater CRP in cases. The severity of depressive and insomnia symptoms, as well as the CRP were more remarkable in individuals with moderate/severe COVID-19. We found a positive correlation between stress and severity of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in individuals with or without COVID-19. There was a positive correlation between CRP levels and severity of depressive symptoms in cases and controls, and a positive correlation between CRP levels and the severity of anxiety symptoms and stress levels only in individuals with COVID-19. Individuals with COVID-19 and depression had greater CRP than those with COVID-19 without current major depressive disorder. LIMITATIONS: We cannot infer causality because this is a cross-sectional study, and the majority of COVID-19 sample was asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, which may limit the generalizability of our findings for moderate/severe cases. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with COVID-19 showed greater severity of psychological symptoms, which may impact on the development of psychiatric disorders in the future. CPR seem to be a promising biomarker for earlier detection of post-COVID depression.

Integração ensino-serviço: possibilidades de uma Universidade Comunitária em meio à pandemia da covid-19

O cenário da pandemia da COVID-19 convoca à rápidas mudanças no modo de trabalho, as Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES), além de potencializar as ações no campo da pesquisa reafirmam seu papel para a comunidade, especialmente quando se trata de Universidades comunitárias. Este artigo caracteriza-se como relato de experiência sobre as ações utilizadas para o enfrentamento da COVID-19 pela Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), do município de Criciúma ­ SC, uma Universidade comunitária. As ações da UNESC foram intensificadas durante o cenário pandêmico, trazendo ações inovadoras como implantação de Sala de Situação Covid-19, teleatendimentos como SOS UNESC Covid-19 e Acolher UNESC Covid-19, Programa de Rastreamento do Coronavírus, Comitê e Análise de Gestão da Covid-19 e várias ações realizadas para além dos espaços da IES. Este artigo marca o importante papel das Universidades comunitárias e seu compromisso com o desenvolvimento regional, ações, intervenções e parcerias com impacto direto na saúde da população local. A UNESC, enquanto Universidade comunitária, desenvolve ações pautadas nas melhores evidências científicas e valoriza o cuidado com a vida das pessoas. Palavra-chave: Coronavírus, Epidemiologia, Gestão de Riscos, Vigilância em Saúde Pública, Instituições de Ensino Superior.

Entre o sofrimento e a saúde: considerações sobre o trabalho do Agente Comunitário de Saúde / Between suffering and health: considerations about the Community Health Agent's work

No Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) os Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) estão em constante contato com o território em que atuam, pela sua função e papel de morador, resultando em consequências ambíguas no estabelecimento de suas ações. Assim, o presente estudo busca compreender o papel dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde, sua relação com o território, unidade e profissionais, e os processos de saúde e adoecimento no desempenho da função. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo no formato de pesquisa participante, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com 6 ACS, que também foram acompanhados em suas atividades diárias. A análise de conteúdo dos dados obtidos por diário de campo e entrevista possibilitou a identificação de 3 categorias: Papel dos ACS; Relação com a Equipe, e Saúde e Sofrimento dos ACS. O sofrimento dos ACS decorre da vigilância sobre seu trabalho, dificuldades no relacionamento interpessoal com a equipe, adversidades no território e sobrecarga de trabalho. Identifica-se que são profissionais muitas vezes subestimados e incompreendidos

In the Unified Health System, Community Health Agents (CHA) are in constant contact with the territory in which they operate, due to their role and role as residents, resulting in ambiguous consequences in the establishment of their actions. Thus, the present study seeks to understand the role of Community Health Agents, their relationship with the territory, unit and professionals, and the processes of health and illness in the performance of the function. This is a qualitative study in the form of participatory research, through a semi-structured interview with 6 CHA, who were also monitored in their daily activities. The content analysis of the data obtained by field diary and interview enabled the identification of 3 categories: Role of the CHA; Relationship with the Team, and Health and Suffering from the CHA. The CHA's suffering stems from surveillance over their work, difficulties in interpersonal relationships with the team, adversities in the territory and work overload. It is identified that they are professionals often underestimated and misunderstood.

Qualidade de vida no trabalho e Burnout em equipes de Estratégia Saúde da Família / Quality of life at work and Burnout in Family Health Strategy teams

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho e Síndrome de Burnout dos profissionais de saúde que atuam nas Estratégias de Saúde da Família de um município sul catarinense. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 145 profissionais de saúde. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário sociodemográfico, Instrumento de Avaliação de Qualidade de Vida – WHOQOL–bref, e Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). O teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson foi utilizado para quantificar a associação ou independência entre Qualidade de Vida e Síndrome de Burnout e variáveis relacionadas ao trabalho. Os resultados foram analisados através do Software SPSS e indicaram prevalência de despersonalização, desgaste emocional e realização pessoal média, havendo a possibilidade de evolução para um quadro de Síndrome de Burnout. Em relação à Qualidade de Vida, a maioria dos entrevistados apresentou domínio físico, psicológico e meio ambiente regular. Estes domínios estão diretamente relacionados com a ocupação profissional, sendo que os Agentes Comunitários de Saúde são os profissionais que mais necessitam melhorá los, fato que pode estar relacionado com sua inserção na comunidade e atribuições da função. A pesquisa aponta o adoecimento dos trabalhadores da saúde relacionado ao sofrimento ocupacional. Destaca-se a necessidade de criação de estratégias de acolhimento, bem como ações de prevenção e recuperação da saúde destes profissionais.(AU)

The aim of the present study was to analyze the Quality of Life at Work and Burnout Syndrome of health professionals who work in the Family Health Strategy program of a municipality in southern Santa Catarina. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 145 health professionals. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, Quality of Life Assessment Instrument - WHOQOL–bref, and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Pearson's chi-squared test was used to quantify the association or independence between Quality of Life and Burnout Syndrome and work-related variables. The results were analyzed using the SPSS Software and indicated the prevalence of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and average personal fulfillment, with the possibility of progressing to a Burnout Syndrome. Regarding the Quality of Life, most of the interviewees demonstrated physical, psychological domains, and environment as regular. These domains are directly related to professional occupation, and Community Health Agents are the professionals who most need to improve them, a fact that may be related to their insertion in the community and role assignments. This research points out the illness of health workers related to occupational suffering. The need to create reception strategies, as well as prevention and health recovery actions for these professionals, is highlighted.(AU)

O profissional de psicologia na residência multiprofissional: o papel do psicólogo na ESF / Psychology professionals under multiprofessional residence: the role of psychologists in the ESF / El profesional de la psicología en la residencia multiprofesional: el papel del psicólogo en la ESF

O presente trabalho versa sobre o papel do psicólogo na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), com base no contexto da residência multiprofissional. Trata-se de uma pesquisa integrativa, com base nos artigos sugeridos no edital da residência multiprofissional Unesc nº 270/2017 que compreendem os conhecimentos de psicologia. A análise dos resultados se deu com o auxílio do software Atlas TI 8.2.32. O artigo foi divido em 21 códigos, agrupados em quatro categorias, sendo elas: função do psicólogo na ESF, com dez códigos; psicólogo na ESF ­ dificuldades, com sete códigos; aspectos sociais, com seis códigos; e prestação de contas, com dois códigos. Os resultados mostram a importância do psicólogo na equipe da ESF no que diz respeito ao contato com a população e à troca de conhecimentos com a comunidade para compreender quais comportamentos e subjetividades estão envolvidos na prática da promoção de saúde. Os artigos versam também acerca da importância da reestruturação da identidade do psicólogo, que por vezes tem sua representação social atrelada ao atendimento clínico, problematizando ainda o fortalecimento de tal representação nas grades curriculares das graduações. Entende-se, por fim, que o psicólogo que atua na saúde pública deve ter seu trabalho pautado nas diretrizes do Sistema Único de Saúde, entendendo que a população deve estar no centro do diálogo de modo a desenvolver a autonomia dos sujeitos. Para tanto, percebe-se a necessidade de formações continuadas que instrumentalizem o trabalho do psicólogo diante da população.

This paper analyzes the role of the psychologist in the Family Health Strategy based on the context of multiprofessional residence. It is an integrative research targeting psychology articles suggested in the publication of the multiprofessional residence Unesc 270/2017 comprising the knowledge of psychology. The results were analyzed using Atlas TI version 8.2.32. The article was divided into 21 codes, and grouped into four categories, namely: role of the psychologist in the ESF, with 10 codes; ESF psychologist ─ challenges, with 7 codes; social aspects, with 6 codes; and accountability, with 2 codes. The results show the importance of psychologists in the family health strategy team regarding contact with the population and the exchange of knowledge with the community to understand what behaviors and subjectivities are involved in the practice of health promotion. The importance of restructuring the identity of psychologists was also evidenced, as they sometimes have their social representation linked to clinical care, as verified by the strengthening of such representation in the curricular grades of tertiary education. Lastly, psychologists who work in public health should follow SUS guidelines, understanding that the population should be their focus in order to develop the autonomy of subjects. Therefore, the need for continuous training to instrumentalize the work of psychologists working directly with the general population.

El presente trabajo versa sobre el papel del psicólogo en la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ESF), desde el contexto en la residencia multiprofesional. Se trata de una investigación integrativa, con base en los artículos de psicología sugeridos en la convocatoria para la residencia multiprofesional Unesc 270/2017 que comprenden los conocimientos de psicología. Para el análisis de los resultados se utilizó el software Atlas TI 8.2.32. El artículo fue dividido en 21 códigos, los cuales fueron agrupados en cuatro categorías: función del psicólogo en la ESF, con 10 códigos; psicólogo en la ESF, dificultades con 7 códigos; aspectos sociales, con 6 códigos y rendición de cuentas con dos códigos. Los resultados muestran la importancia del psicólogo en el equipo de la estrategia de salud de la familia en lo que se refiere al contacto con la población y el intercambio de conocimientos con la comunidad para comprender qué comportamientos y subjetividades están involucrados en la práctica de la promoción de la salud. Los artículos abordan también la importancia de la reestructuración de la identidad del psicólogo, que a veces tienen su representación social vinculada a la atención clínica, problematizando aún sobre el fortalecimiento de esta representación en el plan de estudios de los cursos en las graduaciones. Se entiende que el psicólogo que actúa en la salud pública debe tener su trabajo pautado en las directrices del Sistema Único de Salud, considerando que la población debe estar en el centro del diálogo para desarrollar la autonomía de los sujetos. Para ello, se percibe la necesidad de formaciones continuas que instrumentalicen el trabajo del psicólogo ante la población.

[The quality and characteristics of sleep of hypertensive patients]. / Características e qualidade do sono de pacientes hipertensos.

OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the quality of sleep of hypertensive patients registered in the national registration system and monitoring of hypertensive patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of quantitative and descriptive analyses with 280 hypertensive patients registered in the National Program of Hypertension and Diabetes of the Federal Government in the months from August to October 2011. Questionnaires were used which allowed for tracking sociodemographic data on hypertension and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: The prevalence of poor sleep quality among respondents (156 hypertensive patients) and high rates of using medication for sleeping (106 hypertensive patients) was observed. Other relevant data refers to the quality of sleep among hypertensive patients using sleep medication compared to those who do not use it (p≤0.01). CONCLUSION: Individuals with high blood pressure have a negative association with sleep quality.

The quality and characteristics of sleep of hypertensive patients / Características y calidad del sueño de pacientes hipertensos / Características e qualidade do sono de pacientes hipertensos

OBJECTIVEAnalyzing the quality of sleep of hypertensive patients registered in the national registration system and monitoring of hypertensive patients.METHODSA cross-sectional study of quantitative and descriptive analyses with 280 hypertensive patients registered in the National Program of Hypertension and Diabetes of the Federal Government in the months from August to October 2011. Questionnaires were used which allowed for tracking sociodemographic data on hypertension and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).RESULTSThe prevalence of poor sleep quality among respondents (156 hypertensive patients) and high rates of using medication for sleeping (106 hypertensive patients) was observed. Other relevant data refers to the quality of sleep among hypertensive patients using sleep medication compared to those who do not use it (p≤0.01).CONCLUSIONIndividuals with high blood pressure have a negative association with sleep quality.

OBJETIVOAnalizar la calidad del sueño de hipertensos registrados en el sistema nacional de registro y seguimiento de hipertensos.MÉTODOEstudio transversal, cuantitativo y descriptivo, llevado a cabo con 280 usuarios hipertensos registrados en el Programa Nacional de Hipertensión y Diabetes del Gobierno Federal en los meses de agosto a octubre de 2011. Fueron aplicados cuestionarios que permitieron trazar el perfil sociodemográfico, datos acerca de la hipertensión arterial sistémica e Índice de Calidad de Sueño de Pittsburgh.RESULTADOSSe verificó el predominio de la mala calidad de sueño entre os entrevistados (156 hipertensos) y altas tasas de uso de fármacos para dormir (106 hipertensos). Otro dato relevante se refiere a la calidad de sueño entre hipertensos que utilizan fármacos para dormir comparados a los que no utilizan (p≤0,01).CONCLUSIÓNIndividuos con hipertensión arterial sistémica presentan asociación negativa con la calidad del sueño.

ObjetivoAnalisar a qualidade do sono de hipertensos registrados no sistema nacional de cadastramento e acompanhamento de hipertensos.MétodoEstudo transversal, quantitativo e descritivo realizado com 280 usuários hipertensos cadastrados no Programa Nacional de Hipertensão e Diabetes do Governo Federal nos meses de agosto a outubro de 2011. Foram aplicados questionários que permitiram traçar o perfil sociodemográfico, dados sobre hipertensão arterial sistêmica e Índice de Qualidade de Sono de Pittsburgh.ResultadosVerificou-se predomínio da qualidade de sono ruim entre os entrevistados (156 hipertensos) e altas taxas de uso de medicações para dormir (106 hipertensos). Outro dado relevante refere-se à qualidade de sono entre hipertensos que utilizam medicação para dormir comparados àqueles que não utilizam (p≤0,01).ConclusãoIndivíduos com hipertensão arterial sistêmica apresentam associação negativa com a qualidade do sono.

Associação entre a qualidade de vida e adesão à medicação de indivíduos hipertensos / Association between quality of life and medication adherence in hypertensive individuals

Objetivo Avaliar a associação entre a qualidade de vida e a adesão a medicação de indivíduos hipertensos.Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado com 432 hipertensos cadastrados em sistema informatizado público federal. Os dados foram coletados no domicilio por entrevista estruturada com questões relacionadas a variáveis socioeconômicas, clínicas, avaliação da adesão ao tratamento e o WHOQOL-BREF para a qualidade de vida. Utilizou-se o teste de H de Kruskal-Wallis para medir a associação entre as escalas da qualidade de vida e a classificação da adesão ao tratamento.Resultados Os escores mais baixos estavam presente no domínio autoavaliação e os mais altos foram encontrados no social. Os indivíduos que possuíam adesão extrema ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo apresentaram escores mais altos na avaliação da qualidade de vida em comparação com indivíduos classificados como não adesão extrema ao tratamento anti-hipertensivo.Conclusão A associação entre a qualidade de vida e adesão a medicação em indivíduos hipertensos não foi preditiva, sendo que os melhores escores estavam presentes nos indivíduos hipertensos que apresentaram alta adesão a medicação e os piores escores da qualidade de vida se apresentaram nos indivíduos de não adesão extrema e limítrofe a não adesão total.

Objective To evaluate the association between quality of life and medication adherence in hypertensive individuals.Methods Cross-sectional study carried out with 432 hypertensive subjects registered in a federal public computerized system. Data were collected in the households through a structured interview with questions related to socioeconomic and clinical variables, as well as assessment of treatment adherence, and the WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to measure the association between the scales of quality of life and the classification of treatment adherence.Results The lowest scores were present in the self-assessment domain and the highest were found in the social domain. Individuals with extreme adherence to antihypertensive treatment showed higher scores in assessment of quality of life compared to individuals classified as extreme non-adherence to antihypertensive treatment.Conclusion The association between quality of life and medication adherence in hypertensive patients was not predictive. The hypertensive subjects with high medication adherence showed the best scores of quality of life, and the worst scores were presented by individuals classified as extreme non-adherence and as borderline to total non-adherence.

Ciúme romântico em casais heterossexuais: relatos de pessoas casadas e unidas consensualmente / Romantic jealousy in heterosexual couples: case report of married and united consensually persons

Algumas manifestações de ciúme podem funcionar como uma estratégia que une o casal e previne qualquer tendência natural ao afastamento. Entretanto, quando o ciúme excede os limites do bom senso, ele provoca sofrimento para as pessoas envolvidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as manifestações do ciúme romântico em casais heterossexuais. O estudo foi qualitativo e foram entrevistadas 12 pessoas casadas ou unidas consensualmente, a fim de encontrar as formas que o sentimento de ciúme se desenhava nas relações amorosas dos pesquisados. Os resultados encontrados foram que as manifestações e causas do ciúme ocorrem de acordo com a personalidade do indivíduo e, dessa forma, não podem ser generalizadas. Os casais pesquisados definem o ciúme como o medo de perder e para alguns, seria uma prova de amor. As diferenças entre homens e mulheres foram em relação à forma de expressar o ciúme. Sugere-se com este estudo que o ciúme provavelmente se manifesta conforme a personalidade de cada pessoa.

Some jealousy manifestations can function strategically by uniting the couple and preventing any natural separation tendencies. However, when jealousy exceeds the limits of common sense, it implicates in suffering for the people involved. The aim of this study was to analyze the manifestations of romantic jealousy in heterosexual couples. The study was qualitative and 12 married or consensually united people were interviewed in order to find the ways in which jealousy manifests itself over the relationships of the respondents. The results point out that the manifestations and causes of jealousy occur according to the personality of the individual and thus can not be generalized. The couples surveyed define jealousy as the fear of losing and for some it is a proof of love. The differences between men and women regard to how jealousy is expressed. This study suggests that jealousy is probably expressed according to the personality of each individual.

Transtornos psiquiátricos e fatores de risco em uma população carcerária / Psychiatric disorders and risk factors in a prison population

Existem taxas elevadas de transtornos psiquiátricos nas prisões, e não está claro se a doença mental é um fator de risco para o encarceramento. Objetivo: este estudo pretende abordar a prevalência de comportamento violento, e sua associação com as categorias individuais de transtorno mental. Métodos: Estudo transversal de 557 prisioneiros consecutivos, durante um período de onze meses. Os sujeitos foram inquiridos uma série de perguntas a respeito dos eventos chaves da vida e submetidos ao MINI-Plus. Resultados: A prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos foi elevada entre os presos. As mulheres tiveram uma prevalência mais elevada na maioria dos transtornos. Já os homens tiveram uma maior prevalência de transtorno do pânico e maior risco de suicídio do que as mulheres. Conclusões: É fundamental que a sociedade e o governo trabalhem lado a lado a fim de reduzir barreira ao tratamento psiquiátrico e permitir acompanhamento psicossocial e da adesão ao tratamento em pessoas com transtornos mentais em prisões.

There are elevated rates of psychiatric disorders among prison inmates, and it is unclear whether mental illness is a risk factor for incarceration. Objective: this study aims to approach the prevalence of self-reported violent behavior, and its association with individual categories of mental disorder. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 557 consecutive prisoners, over an eleven month period. The subjects were inquired a series of questions regarding key life events and submitted to the MINI-Plus. Results: The prevalence of psychiatric disorders is high among prisoners. Women have an overall higher prevalence in most disorders. Men have a higher prevalence of panic disorder and are at higher risk of suicide than women. Conclusions: It is essential that both society and government work side-by-side in order to reduce barriers and allow psychiatric treatment and follow-up of psychosocial treatment adherence in people with mental disorders in prisons.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and psychiatric disorders.

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is the major ATP-producing pathway, which supplies more than 95% of the total energy requirement in the cells. Damage to the mitochondrial electron transport chain has been suggested to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of a range of psychiatric disorders. Tissues with high energy demands, such as the brain, contain a large number of mitochondria, being therefore more susceptible to reduction of the aerobic metabolism. Mitochondrial dysfunction results from alterations in biochemical cascade and the damage to the mitochondrial electron transport chain has been suggested to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder is a prevalent psychiatric disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression. Recent studies have demonstrated that important enzymes involved in brain energy are altered in bipolar disorder patients and after amphetamine administration, an animal model of mania. Depressive disorders, including major depression, are serious and disabling. However, the exact pathophysiology of depression is not clearly understood. Several works have demonstrated that metabolism is impaired in some animal models of depression, induced by chronic stress, especially the activities of the complexes of mitochondrial respiratory chain. Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disorder characterized by disturbed thoughts and perception, alongside cognitive and emotional decline associated with a severe reduction in occupational and social functioning, and in coping abilities. Alterations of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in schizophrenia have been reported in several brain regions and also in platelets. Abnormal mitochondrial morphology, size and density have all been reported in the brains of schizophrenic individuals. Considering that several studies link energy impairment to neuronal death, neurodegeneration and disease, this review article discusses energy impairment as a mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of some psychiatric disorders, like bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia.

Brain creatine kinase activity in an animal model of mania.

There is evidence pointing to dysfunction at the mitochondrial level as an important target for the understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). We assessed creatine kinase (CK) activity in rats submitted to an animal model of mania which included the use of lithium and valproate. In the acute treatment, amphetamine (AMPH) or saline was administered to rats for 14 days, and between day 8 and 14, rats were treated with either lithium, valproate or saline. In the maintenance treatment, rats were pretreated with lithium, valproate or saline, and between day 8 and 14, AMPH or saline were administered. In both experiments, locomotor activity was assessed by open-field test and CK activity was evaluated in hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, whole cortex and prefrontal cortex. Our results showed that mood stabilizers reversed AMPH-induced behavioral effects. Moreover, AMPH (acute treatment) inhibited CK activity in hippocampus, striatum and cortex, but not in cerebellum and prefrontal cortex, and administration of lithium or valproate did not reverse the enzyme inhibition. In the maintenance treatment, AMPH decreased CK activity in saline-pretreated rats in hippocampus, striatum and cortex, but not in cerebellum and prefrontal cortex. AMPH administration in lithium- or valproate-pretreated animals decreased CK activity in hippocampus, striatum and cortex. Our results showed that AMPH inhibited CK activity and that mood stabilizers were not able to reverse and/or prevent the enzyme inhibition. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathophysiology of BD.

Effects of lithium and valproate on hippocampus citrate synthase activity in an animal model of mania.

Some studies suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may be related to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. In this work, we evaluated the activity of citrate synthase in rats, and the effects of the treatment with mood stabilizers (lithium and valproate) on the enzyme activity. In the first experiment (reversal treatment), amphetamine or saline were administered to rats for 14 days, and between day 8 and 14, rats were treated with either lithium, valproate or saline. In the second experiment (prevention treatment), rats were pretreated with lithium, valproate or saline, and between day 8 and 14, rats were administered amphetamine or saline. In reversal and prevention models, amphetamine administration significantly inhibited citrate synthase activity in rat hippocampus. In amphetamine-pretreated animals, valproate administration reversed citrate synthase activity inhibition induced by amphetamine. In the prevention model, pretreatment with lithium prevented amphetamine-induced citrate synthase inhibition. Our results showed that amphetamine inhibited citrate synthase activity and that valproate reversed and lithium prevented the enzyme inhibition.