The seroprevalence of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies in bipolar families and bipolar twins: results from two longitudinal studies

Abstract

Background: Previous studies of our group among bipolar offspring and bipolar twins showed significant higher prevalence’s and levels of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Abs) in offspring and co-twins (without a mood disorder) compared to controls, suggesting that TPO-Abs might be considered as vulnerability factor (trait marker) for BD development. Objectives: Here we elucidate, in the same cohorts, but now after 12- and 6-year follow-up, whether TPO-abs should be considered as a ‘trait’ marker for BD. The present study aims to investigate whether TPO-Abs (1) are stable over time, (2) are associated with lithium-exposure, (3) share a common genetic background with BD and are related to psychopathology. Results: In bipolar offspring and twins, the prevalence of TPO-Abs is stable over time (rs = .72 p < .001 resp. rs = .82, p