Serum calcium-independent phospholipase A2 activity in bipolar affective disorder

Objective: Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are a family of enzymes involved in membrane phospholipid metabolism and cell signalling. The gene encoding one form, type VI calcium‐independent phospholipase A2, is located in a region of DNA that may contain a gene important in the aetiology of psychosis. Moreover, the activity of calcium‐independent PLA2 is reported to be elevated in the blood and brain of patients with schizophrenia. In this study we determined whether a similar change takes place in patients with bipolar disorder with and without a history of psychosis. Methods: Serum calcium‐independent and ‐dependent PLA2 activities were determined in 24 patients with bipolar I disorder. Results: Serum calcium‐independent and ‐dependent PLA2 activities in bipolar cases did not differ significantly from that in healthy volunteers (HVs). However, calcium‐independent PLA2 activity was significantly (p