# Lipid Profile, Apolipoproteins, and Impulsivity in First Episode Mania

## TL;DR

This study finds that lower cholesterol levels are linked to impulsivity in people with first-episode mania, suggesting a connection between lipid metabolism and psychiatric symptoms.

## Contribution

The study identifies a novel association between reduced cholesterol levels and increased impulsivity in first-episode mania patients.

## Key findings

- Mania patients had significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides compared to healthy controls.
- BIS-11 scores negatively correlated with cholesterol levels, indicating higher impulsivity with lower cholesterol.
- ApoB levels were higher in mania patients but not statistically significant.

## Abstract

Background: Mania, a core feature of bipolar disorder, is characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and mood disturbances. Impulsivity has been linked to lipid metabolism, particularly cholesterol and apolipoproteins. This study investigates the relationship between lipid profile, apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and impulsivity in first-episode mania patients.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Sriram Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College, Cuttack, involving 60 patients with first-episode mania and 60 age-matched healthy controls. Lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), ApoA1, and ApoB, were measured. Impulsivity was assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Independent samples t-tests and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Mania patients had significantly lower TC (156.58 ± 14.00 mg/dL vs. 175.93 ± 23.59 mg/dL, p < 0.001), LDL (75.00 ± 9.24 mg/dL vs. 83.58 ± 16.86 mg/dL, p = 0.001), and TG (74.03 ± 11.94 mg/dL vs. 96.43 ± 29.48 mg/dL, p < 0.001) compared to controls. ApoB levels were higher in mania patients (795.95 ± 725.44 mg/dL vs. 549.53 ± 796.67 mg/dL, p = 0.079), though not statistically significant. BIS-11 scores negatively correlated with cholesterol levels, particularly TC and LDL, suggesting an association between hypercholesterolemia and increased impulsivity.

Conclusion: Lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL, are significantly associated with impulsivity in first-episode mania patients. These findings highlight the potential role of lipid metabolism in psychiatric disorders and suggest lipid monitoring in high-risk individuals.