Serum leptin and cholesterol levels in schizophrenic patients with and without suicide attempts

Previous studies demonstrate a relationship between lipid metabolism and suicide or impulsive-aggressive behaviours. Leptin seems to be related with lipid metabolism. Therefore, the aim was to measure total serum cholesterol and leptin levels in 16 medication-free schizophrenic patients with and without suicide attempts and in 16 healthy controls.

Subjects were assessed by using Impulsivity Rating (IRS) and Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS).

The patients had lower total cholesterol and leptin levels in serum compared with the controls. Significantly lower total cholesterol and leptin levels were observed in patients who had attempted suicide compared with those who had not. The levels were observed to be low in violent attempters when compared with non-violent attempters. MOAS and IRS scores were negatively correlated with both cholesterol or leptin levels in patients.

The results indicated that medication-free schizophrenic patients have statistically significant lower serum cholesterol and leptin levels compared with controls and the difference is obvious in suicide attempters compared with non-suicide attempters and in violent attempters than non-violent attempters.