Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
05:14
Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
4.8K
Anthranilic Acid: A Potential Biomarker and Treatment Target for Schizophrenia
Gregory Oxenkrug1, Marieke van der Hart2, Julien Roeser2
1Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University, USA.
Annals of Psychiatry and Mental Health
|April 5, 2016
Summary
Schizophrenia may involve the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, with elevated serum anthranilic acid (AA) and decreased 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) found in patients. These findings suggest AA as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The tryptophan-kynurenine (Trp-Kyn) pathway is implicated in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
- Kynurenic acid (KYNA) overproduction is a leading hypothesis, potentially linked to reduced 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK).
- The role of anthranilic acid (AA), another Trp-Kyn metabolite, remains less understood in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum concentrations of anthranilic acid (AA) in schizophrenia patients compared to controls.
- To assess the relationship between AA, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), and schizophrenia.
- To explore the potential of AA as a biomarker and therapeutic target in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from schizophrenia patients and control subjects were analyzed.
- High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used for quantification.
- Concentrations of anthranilic acid (AA) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) were measured.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients exhibited a 2-fold increase in serum AA concentrations.
- A 3-fold decrease in serum 3-HK concentrations was observed in schizophrenia patients.
- These findings indicate a dysregulated Trp-Kyn pathway in schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- Elevated AA and reduced 3-HK suggest a potential role for AA in schizophrenia mechanisms, possibly via autoimmune pathways.
- AA may serve as a biomarker for a subgroup of schizophrenia patients with autoimmune involvement.
- Further research is warranted to validate AA as a biomarker and therapeutic target in schizophrenia.
More Related Videos
13:08Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
9.5K
05:52Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
15.6K
Related Concept Videos
01:26Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
659
Antipsychotic drugs are a crucial treatment method for acute and chronic psychoses, bipolar illness, and behavioral disorders. The selection of these drugs depends on several factors, including the state of the disease, clinical judgment, possible drug interactions, and the patient's sensitivity to adverse effects. In immediate scenarios, such as delirium and dementia, short-term treatment with low doses of high-potency typical or atypical agents can effectively manage symptom exacerbation.
659
01:28Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
1.1K
The term "psychosis" refers to a spectrum of mental disorders characterized by abnormal thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors. It can manifest as mood disorders, dementia, delirium with psychotic features, substance-induced psychosis with psychotic features, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Among all these disorders, schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder, affecting 1% of the worldwide population. Psychotic...
1.1K
01:28Drug Therapy
387
The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
Antianxiety Medications
387
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
1.2K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
1.2K
01:24Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
752
Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as...
752
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
2.4K
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
2.4K