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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Biological Samples Using the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Assay
Published on: May 12, 2020
Elevated serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in clinically symptomatic schizophrenic males
Clarissa Severino Gama1, Mirian Salvador, Ana Cristina Andreazza
1Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Centro de Pesquisas, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2350, 90035 003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. csgama@yahoo.com
Schizophrenia may involve impaired antioxidant defenses. This study found higher lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in males with marked schizophrenia symptoms, suggesting a link between symptom severity and oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defenses are implicated in schizophrenia.
- Elevated lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and altered superoxide dismutase (SOD) are observed in schizophrenia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of clinical course and subtype on oxidative stress markers in male schizophrenia patients.
- To determine if TBARS and SOD levels correlate with schizophrenia subtypes or clinical status.
Main Methods:
- Serum TBARS and SOD levels were measured in 68 male patients with schizophrenia.
- Patients were classified by DSM-IV subtypes (paranoid, disorganized, undifferentiated) and clinical course (partial remission, marked symptoms, deteriorated).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in serum SOD or TBARS were found across schizophrenia subtypes.
- Patients with marked symptoms exhibited higher TBARS levels compared to those in the deteriorated group.
Conclusions:
- Clinical course, specifically symptom acuity, may be associated with oxidative stress levels in male schizophrenia patients.
- These findings suggest a potential role for oxidative stress in the manifestation of schizophrenia symptoms.
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