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Published on: November 21, 2013
Niacin Skin Sensitivity Is Increased in Adolescents at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis
Gregor E Berger1,2, Stefan Smesny3, Miriam R Schäfer2,4
1University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Neumünsterallee 9, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
Niacin sensitivity is increased in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis, unlike in schizophrenia patients. This heightened sensitivity suggests membrane-level imbalances, potentially indicating a pro-inflammatory state before psychosis onset.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Niacin (nicotinic acid) flush response is typically impaired in schizophrenia.
- Limited understanding exists regarding niacin sensitivity in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate niacin sensitivity in adolescents at UHR for psychosis.
- To compare UHR individuals with healthy controls (HC) and first-episode schizophrenia patients (FEP).
Main Methods:
- Visual ratings of niacin sensitivity were compared across UHR (transition and non-transition), HC, and FEP groups.
- Correlations between niacin sensitivity and fatty acids (FA) and phospholipase A2 (inPLA2) activity were examined in UHR individuals.
Main Results:
- Niacin sensitivity was significantly increased in the overall UHR group compared to HC.
- FEP patients showed attenuated niacin sensitivity compared to HC.
- In UHR individuals, increased niacin sensitivity correlated inversely with omega-6/-9 FA and positively with inPLA2 activity.
Conclusions:
- Increased niacin sensitivity in UHR states suggests impaired eicosanoid and fatty acid balance at the membrane level.
- This may reflect a pre-psychosis pro-inflammatory state characterized by increased eicosanoid mobilization.
- Findings indicate potential therapeutic targets for UHR states warranting further investigation.
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