Related Experiment Videos
Increased serum levels of inflammatory markers in chronic institutionalized patients with schizophrenia
Fernanda Matos Coelho1, Helton José Reis, Rodrigo Nicolato
1Group of Neuroimmunology, Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Unlabelled:
Activation of the cytokine systems may be involved in the neuropathological changes occurring in the central nervous systems of schizophrenic patients. However, associations between the levels of cytokines and the severity of symptoms have not been completely established.
Objective:
It was the aim of this study to evaluate serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and their soluble receptors (sTNFR) in schizophrenic patients and healthy controls.
Methods:
Forty male institutionalized schizophrenic patients (mean age +/- SD, 52.3 +/- 9.9 years) and 20 asymptomatic matched controls were recruited. The severity of symptoms was assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISAs.
Results:
Serum levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were increased in schizophrenic patients when compared with controls (all p < 0.05), but there was no difference in TNF-alpha levels. There was no correlation between the length of disease/hospitalization or the severity of symptoms and the serum levels of these molecules.
Conclusion:
Inflammatory markers are increased in schizophrenia but they do not correlate with symptom severity.
Related Concept Videos
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...