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Homocysteine level in schizophrenia patients
Yin Ying Ma1, Chi Chung Shek, Max C K Wong
1Department of Psychiatry, Kowloon Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong. yinyingma@yahoo.com
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|July 25, 2009
Summary
Serum homocysteine levels are elevated in Chinese schizophrenia patients. This finding was consistent across both male and female participants, suggesting a potential biomarker for schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Elevated serum homocysteine is a suspected factor in schizophrenia, but evidence is inconsistent.
- Understanding homocysteine levels in specific populations like Chinese individuals with schizophrenia is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum homocysteine levels in Chinese schizophrenia patients.
- To determine the association between homocysteine levels and schizophrenia's clinical features.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 250 schizophrenia patients and 250 healthy controls.
- Serum homocysteine levels were measured, and clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.
- Statistical methods and exclusion criteria controlled for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients exhibited significantly higher serum homocysteine levels than controls, in both males and females.
- These elevated levels persisted after adjusting for age.
- No significant correlation was found between homocysteine levels and illness duration, symptom severity, or age of onset.
Conclusions:
- Serum homocysteine is elevated in Chinese patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- Elevated homocysteine levels in schizophrenia patients were not associated with clinical parameters such as illness duration or symptom severity.
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