Validating MARK2 Gene Polymorphism as a Predictor of Response to Lithium Treatment in Bipolar Patients

Lithium is a therapeutic option for the treatment of the acute phase of the bipolar disorder and long-term management of this disorder. However,  it  is  estimated  that  10  to  60%  of  patients  do  not  properly response to this medication.

To investigate the role of MARK2 gene in response to lithium, we genotyped the MARK2 rs10792421 polymorphism in Iranian bipolar patients using amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR.

Results of this study showed a significant association of this polymorphism with response to lithium. The A allele was more frequent in the  responder  than  the  non-responder  group  and  also  in  the  semi- responder group compared to the non-responder group in the codominant model of analysis. AA and AG genotypes were more frequent in both the responder and semi-responder groups compared to the non-responder group in dominant model of analysis.

Based on the findings of the current study, the rs10792421 variant of MARK2 gene could be considered as a potential biomarker for predicting the treatment outcome of bipolar disorder type 1 in Iranian population.