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TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) levels in schizophrenia

Elif Tatlıdil Yaylacı1, Rabia Nazik Yüksel1, Kübranur Ünal2

  • 1Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital Psychiatry Department, Ankara, Turkey.

Psychiatry Research
|August 16, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This study explored tumor necrosis factor-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) plasma levels in schizophrenia patients. Male schizophrenia patients showed significantly lower TWEAK levels compared to male controls, suggesting potential immune-cytokine links.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily members are implicated in central nervous system (CNS) disease pathogenesis.
  • TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) plays a role in CNS pathological processes and is a potential therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate plasma TWEAK levels in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.
  • To determine if TWEAK levels differ between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma TWEAK levels were measured in 44 schizophrenia patients and 40 healthy controls.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare TWEAK levels between groups.
  • Subgroup analysis was conducted for male and female participants separately.

Main Results:

  • Overall, no statistically significant difference in plasma TWEAK levels was observed between schizophrenia patients and controls.
  • However, male patients with schizophrenia exhibited significantly lower TWEAK plasma levels compared to male controls.
  • This is the first study to examine TWEAK levels in schizophrenia patients.

Conclusions:

  • While overall TWEAK levels did not differ significantly, the finding in males warrants further investigation.
  • Future research with larger cohorts may reveal statistically significant differences.
  • Exploring other TNF superfamily members, like TWEAK and TRAIL, could advance understanding of schizophrenia's immune-cytokine hypotheses.
Keywords:
CytokinesInflammationTumor necrosis factor

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