Ficolin activation as a potential biomarker of the severity of schizophrenia

Several studies have examined the complement system in schizophrenia, suggesting an involvement of the lectin pathway. We analyzed 49 patients with schizophrenia and explored the association between psychopathology of schizophrenia and complement component 3 (C3) serum levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels, ficolin activation, and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activation. In the multiple regression analysis, a negative association was observed between the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score and ficolin activation. Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with the serum levels of C3 and CRP. MBL activation was not associated with any independent variables. Our findings facilitate a better understanding of the complement system in schizophrenia. Additional studies with a large sample population are needed to confirm our results.