Is microvascular abnormality a new endophenotype in schizophrenia?
Ladislav Hosak1, Khurum Hakeem, Marjan Raad
1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, hosak@lfhk.cuni.cz.
Retinal imaging may reveal microvascular abnormalities in schizophrenia, suggesting a potential link to brain inflammation. Further research is needed to explore this schizophrenia endophenotype and its treatment implications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Microvascular abnormalities in schizophrenia have been primarily studied post-mortem.
- Retinal imaging offers a novel method to assess microvasculature in living individuals with schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on microvascular abnormalities in schizophrenia assessed via retinal imaging.
- To propose future research directions for understanding schizophrenia pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed with keywords "microvascular AND schizophrenia".
- Seventeen articles were retrieved, with seven deemed relevant to the review.
Main Results:
- The reviewed studies suggest a link between microvascular pathology, brain inflammation, and schizophrenia.
- Retinal imaging findings align with the hypothesis of microvascular involvement in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Investigate retinal microvascular abnormalities as a potential schizophrenia endophenotype.
- Examine retinal imaging in high-risk individuals and correlate findings with fMRI, cognitive abilities, and symptom severity.
- Explore the genetic basis and potential anti-inflammatory treatments for schizophrenia-related microvascular pathology.
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