Increased advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) assessed by skin autofluorescence in schizophrenia

Oxidative stress has been intensively studied as a key biochemical system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, little is known about the implication of oxidative stress in the development of physical illnesses in schizophrenia patients, who are characterized by high cardiovascular risk and decreased life expectancy. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are considered to be markers of oxidative stress and are linked to the development of atherosclerosis.

We investigated AGE levels determined by a noninvasive skin autofluorescence (skin AF) method (AGE-Reader™) in schizophrenia patients. Skin AF was assessed in 55 schizophrenia patients without diabetes or renal disease and 55 healthy controls matched for age, gender and smoking status. Nineteen of the 55 schizophrenia patients had a severe form of the disease (Kraepelinian schizophrenia).

Skin AF was significantly higher in schizophrenia patients compared to controls (2.46 ± 0.52 and 1.90 ± 0.21, respectively, p < 0.0001). Kraepelinian schizophrenia patients had significantly higher skin AF than non-Kraepelinian schizophrenia patients (p = 0.05).

This is the first study to demonstrate high AGE levels assessed by a noninvasive method in schizophrenia patients.