Exploring accelerated aging as a target of bipolar disorder treatment: A systematic review.

Alan C Courtes, Rohit Jha, Natasha Topolski, Jair C Soares, Tatiana Barichello, Gabriel R Fries

Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA; Center of Excellence in Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA.Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA; Center of Excellence in Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) has been linked to accelerated aging processes, with many studies suggesting that drugs used to treat BD may modulate pathways related to aging. This systematic review aimed to determine whether FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for BD have reported effects on aging biomarkers across clinical and preclinical studies. We conducted searches in PubMed and PsychINFO and followed PRISMA guidelines. Out of 6400 records identified, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most preclinical studies tested the effects of BD drugs, especially lithium, on lifespan and telomere biology in cell and animal models. Clinical studies predominantly focused on lithium, evaluating aging markers like telomere length, telomerase, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and epigenetic age acceleration in individuals with BD. Findings indicate that chronic lithium treatment is associated with modulatory effects on aging biomarkers, particularly increased telomere length and telomerase activity. Conversely, some negative results were also reported. Limited evidence suggests potential aging-modulating properties of other mood stabilizers like valproic acid and lamotrigine, evidencing that further investigation is required. Despite variability across studies, the overall findings support the notion that pharmacotherapies used in BD present many effects of aging biomarkers. However, the field is still developing, with a clear emphasis on lithium and a lack of standardized methods to evaluate aging biomarkers in clinical samples. Further research exploring the anti-accelerated aging effects of BD drugs beyond lithium, their mechanisms of action, and potential synergistic effects is warranted.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The paper explores the relationship between bipolar disorder treatments and aging biomarkers, particularly focusing on lithium's effects. While it touches on the modulation of aging processes, it primarily addresses the treatment of a mental health condition rather than directly targeting the root causes of aging or lifespan extension. The findings contribute to understanding how certain pharmacotherapies may influence aging markers, but the overall impact is limited due to the variability in results and the need for further research. Thus, it represents a solid contribution but lacks significant implications for the broader field of longevity research.

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