The Frequencies of HLA Alleles in Bipolar Disorder

Jun, Taeyoun

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the potential of HLA as a candidate gene for the genetic marker of bipolar disorder, we carried out the association study between allelic frequency of HLA and bipolar disorder.
METHODS
HLA class I and class II allelic frequencies were assessed in 87 Korean bipolar disorder patients and were compared with the data from 206 normal controls. HLA class I typing was performed with microlymphocytotoxicity method and HLA class II(DQB1 and DRB1) genotyping with reverse dot hybridization. The allelic frequencies were analyzed using x2 test with two-tailed Fisher's exact test.
RESULTS
Bipolar disorder patients showed increased allelic frequencies of HLA-A29 and B54 and decreased allelic frequencies of HLA-B51 and DRB1*02 compared to normal controls.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest the possibility of association between HLA gene and bipolar disorder. To clarify the genetic influences of HLA on bipolar disorder, further systematic studies should be conducted.