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Platelet monoamine oxidase activity in schizophrenia: a review of the data
Abstract:
The authors review studies of platelet and white cell monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in schizophrenic patients. The data on acute schizophrenic patients remain inconclusive. Review of 26 reports of chronic schizophrenic patients leaves little doubt, however, that there is a subgroup in which the enzyme activity is decreased. Despite the strong association of decreased MAO activity and chronic schizophrenia, the etiological relationship of low platelet MAO activity to schizophrenia has not been demonstrated. More complete diagnostic descriptions will shed light on precisely which patients have lowered MAO activity. Further metabolic investigations with such patients are needed to determine the physiological significance of this phenomenon.
Insights
This review suggests a subgroup of chronic schizophrenia patients exhibit decreased monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. However, the direct link between low MAO enzyme levels and schizophrenia
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme involved in neurotransmitter metabolism.
- Altered MAO activity has been investigated in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on platelet and white cell monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in schizophrenic patients.
- To assess the evidence for a link between MAO activity and schizophrenia subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 26 reports focusing on chronic schizophrenic patients.
- Analysis of data concerning MAO activity in acute and chronic schizophrenia.
Main Results:
- Data for acute schizophrenia patients were inconclusive.
- A subgroup of chronic schizophrenia patients demonstrated significantly decreased MAO enzyme activity.
- A strong association was observed between reduced MAO activity and chronic schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- A subset of chronic schizophrenia patients likely exhibits reduced MAO activity.
- The etiological role of low platelet MAO activity in schizophrenia remains unproven.
- Further research with detailed diagnostics and metabolic investigations is required to clarify the significance of MAO activity in schizophrenia.