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Published on: November 21, 2013
Homocysteine levels in adolescent schizophrenia patients
G Adler Nevo1, S Meged, B A Sela
1The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. gili.adlernevo@sickkids.ca
Summary
Adolescent schizophrenia patients, particularly males, show significantly higher plasma homocysteine levels compared to healthy controls. This finding suggests homocysteine may play a role in male adolescent schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, is implicated in cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Elevated homocysteine levels are particularly suspected in young, male schizophrenia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma homocysteine levels in adolescent schizophrenia inpatients with healthy controls.
- To investigate the potential role of homocysteine in adolescent-onset schizophrenia, especially in males.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-control study design.
- Plasma homocysteine levels measured in 23 adolescent schizophrenia inpatients (aged 14-21) and 51 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis to compare homocysteine levels between groups and sexes.
Main Results:
- Mean plasma homocysteine levels were significantly higher in adolescent schizophrenia patients (15.40±2.00 µmol/L) than in controls (9.78±0.33 µmol/L) (p<0.032).
- The difference was primarily driven by male schizophrenia patients, who exhibited higher levels (18.18±5.65 µmol/L) compared to female patients (10.31±5.33 µmol/L).
- A statistically significant group x sex interaction (p=0.0035) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Male adolescent schizophrenia patients may represent a subgroup with elevated plasma homocysteine levels.
- The role of homocysteine in the pathophysiology of adolescent-onset schizophrenia warrants further investigation.
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