Comparing Copper Serum Level and Cognitive Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia and Healthy Controls

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with altered serum trace element levels.
• Copper (Cu) and Magnesium (Mg) are essential trace elements involved in neurotransmission.
• Investigating Cu and Mg in SCZ may reveal insights into disease mechanisms and cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if serum Cu and Mg levels differ in SCZ patients compared to healthy controls.
• To explore the relationship between serum Cu and Mg levels and cognitive functioning in SCZ.

Main Methods:

• Serum Cu and Mg levels were measured in 60 SCZ patients (early and chronic) and 30 healthy controls.
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy and ion-selective electrode potentiometry were used for Cu and Mg quantification, respectively.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Persian adaptation of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).

Main Results:

• Significantly higher serum Cu levels were found in both early and chronic SCZ patients compared to controls (P<0.001).
• No significant differences in serum Mg levels were observed across study groups (P=0.1).
• In healthy individuals, serum Cu showed a negative correlation with working memory and executive functioning; this correlation was absent in SCZ patients.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum Cu may influence cognitive decline in healthy individuals.
• The absence of a Cu-cognition correlation in SCZ patients likely stems from severe cognitive impairment in the condition.
• Further research on trace elements in drug-naïve SCZ patients is warranted.