ACUTE CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION PREVENTS OUABAIN-INDUCED MANIA.

Bipolar disorder (BD) type I is a condition that affects approximately 1% of the world`s population, characterized by chronic periods of manic mood fluctuating between depression and euthymia. Research has shown that bipolar disorder development is associated with genetic predisposition or environmental influences, such as traumatic experiences. Its physiopathology is not well understood, but it is thought to be associated with Na+/K+-ATPase activity decrease and GSK-3β increase. Lithium is one of the first choice drugs for the treatment of BD. Nevertheless, about 40% of patients still remain refractory, even under pharmacological regimen. Creatine, a guanidine compound commonly used as an ergogenic supplement, has been shown to increase Na+/K+-ATPase activity in hippocampus as well as present an antidepressant effect in rodents. Therefore, creatine supplementation may be a potential resource for treatment of mania in BD.