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Aspects of metabolic changes in first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenic patients

Marat G Uzbekov1, Eduard Misionzhnik1, Isaak Gurovich2

  • 11 Department of Brain Pathology, Research Institute of Psychiatry, Moscow, Russia.

Acta Neuropsychiatrica
|October 8, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

First-episode drug-naïve schizophrenic patients show altered metabolism and increased endogenous intoxication. These findings suggest schizophrenia

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Psychiatry
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder with debated underlying biochemical mechanisms.
  • Early stages of schizophrenia may present distinct metabolic profiles compared to chronic forms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate metabolic parameters and endogenous intoxication in first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia (FES).
  • To explore if FES represents an initial stage of the pathological biochemical status seen in chronic schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) and serum semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activities.
  • Measured serum middle-mass endotoxic molecules (MMEM) and malondialdehyde, alongside albumin functional parameters.
  • Included 26 FES patients and 15 healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • FES patients exhibited significantly increased MAO activity (99%) and MMEM concentration (124%), and decreased SSAO activity (26%) versus controls.
  • Regression analysis revealed significant relationships between MAO, SSAO, MMEM, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANNS) scores.
  • Factor analysis grouped MAO and SSAO together, and MMEM with albumin parameters.

Conclusions:

  • FES patients display a distinct metabolic profile characterized by altered enzyme activities and increased endotoxemia.
  • The observed metabolic disturbances in FES suggest it is a precursor stage to the established pathological state in chronic schizophrenia.

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