U.S. scientists discovered the fact that genetic abnormalities that equilibrate sodium and calcium in brain cells are associated with bipolar disorder.

According to the team of researchers, the breakthrough was made during the most complex genetic analysis of its type so far for bipolar disease. They discovered the link between those in two genes, genes which are components of channels that manage the flow of the elements into and out of cells.

The study’s findings draw attention to the possibility bipolar disease might stem, at any rate partially, from the failure of ion channels, said Dr. Pamela Sklar of the Massachusetts General Hospital, the leader of the research.

The results of the research, which was supported by the U.S. government's National Institutes of Health, were reported in the online issue of the journal Nature Genetics on August 17.

The findings disclosed that the correct function of brain neurons is dependent on a fragile balance between sodium and calcium, two essential chemical elements.

In line with Dr. Nick Craddock of Cardiff University, "the brain operates according to how quickly calcium and sodium are going in and out of cells and how much of it goes in and out."

Dr. Craddock, author of a great number of books, stated he expected to trace enough common genes in order to pinpoint the main biological trajectory causing the bipolar illness, The New York Times reported.