CSF-methionine is elevated in psychotic patients

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Psychiatry

Background:

• One-carbon metabolism is crucial for various biological processes.
• Alterations in one-carbon metabolism have been implicated in neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of methionine (MET), homocysteine (HCY), and cystathionine in patients with psychotic disorders.
• To determine if these metabolites are altered compared to healthy controls and if factors like gender, age, or neuroleptic treatment influence these levels.

Main Methods:

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from patients with psychotic disorders (n=36) and healthy controls (n=25).
• Levels of methionine (MET), homocysteine (HCY), and cystathionine were measured in the CSF of all participants.

Main Results:

• Patients with psychotic disorders showed significantly higher CSF methionine (MET) levels compared to healthy controls (p<0.00001).
• Ten patients had MET levels exceeding those of any control subject.
• Three young male patients exhibited markedly elevated CSF homocysteine (HCY) levels, far above control ranges.
• No significant gender differences were observed for any measured parameter.
• Elevated MET levels were present even in young, drug-naive patients, ruling out age and neuroleptic treatment as sole explanations.

Conclusions:

• Patients experiencing psychotic disorders, particularly during acute exacerbation, frequently display disruptions in one-carbon metabolism.
• Elevated CSF methionine and homocysteine may serve as potential biomarkers for disturbed one-carbon metabolism in psychotic disorders.