Introduction: Estrogen and its receptors have been suggested as playing a role in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD). Estrogen functions through the estrogen receptors alpha and beta and the recently discovered G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1). The aim of this study was to evaluate serum GPER-1 levels in euthymic BD patients.
Patients and methods: The study population consisted of 38 euthymic outpatients meeting the criteria for BD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Medical histories were obtained and physical examinations and laboratory tests conducted.
Results: Serum GPER-1 levels were measured in both patients and controls and found to be significantly higher in the BD patients than in controls. These results were not influenced by the medications in use.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that GPER-1 may play a role in BD pathophysiology.
Keywords: GPER-1; bipolar; estrogen receptor; euthymic; sex hormones.