Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Association between Purpureocillium, amino acid metabolism and cognitive function in drug-naïve, first-episode
Xiuxia Yuan1,2,3, Xue Li1,2,3, Lijuan Pang1,2,3
1Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
Background:
Cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) is associated with poor social functioning and long-term prognosis. Our previous work suggests that some key fungal markers including Purpureocillium, are linked to SCZ.
Methods:
We present a case-control study that includes 136 first-episode, drug-naïve patients with SCZ and 92 healthy controls (HCs). Untargeted liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was utilized to measure serum metabolite levels. The abundance of Purpureocillium was assessed using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) analysis. Cognitive function was measured using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery.
Results:
The present study demonstrated significant declines in attention and alertness (AV), speed of processing (SOP) in individuals with SCZ. The abundance of Purpureocillium was found to have a negative correlation with multiple domains of cognitive function. Additionally, SCZ-related metabolic markers 2-Oxoarginine, N-Acetyl-serotonin, Ergothioneine, Isobutyric acid and Biotin were significantly associated with both the abundance of Purpureocillium and cognitive scores (SOP and AV). Mediation analyses revealed that the abundance of Purpureocillium in patients with SCZ had significant direct and indirect effects on SOP and AV) through metabolic markers (2-Oxoarginine, N-Acetyl-serotonin, Ergothioneine). Further, Purpureocillium and the metabolic markers were found to be correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which have been associated with pathogenesis of SCZ.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that Purpureocillium might be associated with cognitive impairments through its regulation on the metabolism of specific amino acids involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. A better understanding about the fungal-immune-metabolites association may lead to novel treatment approaches to improve cognitive function in patients with SCZ.
Insights
Schizophrenia (SCZ) patients show cognitive decline linked to the fungus Purpureocillium. This fungus impacts amino acid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress, potentially worsening cognitive function in SCZ.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Mycology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Cognitive impairments are a core feature of schizophrenia (SCZ), impacting social functioning and prognosis.
- Previous research links specific fungal markers, including Purpureocillium, to SCZ.
- Understanding these fungal associations may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Purpureocillium fungal markers, cognitive function, and metabolic profiles in first-episode, drug-naïve SCZ patients.
- To explore the role of specific metabolites in mediating the relationship between Purpureocillium and cognitive deficits.
- To examine the link between fungal markers, metabolites, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in SCZ.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 136 SCZ patients and 92 healthy controls.
- Untargeted liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for serum metabolite analysis.
- Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) analysis for Purpureocillium abundance and MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery for cognitive assessment.
Main Results:
- SCZ patients exhibited significant deficits in attention, alertness, and speed of processing.
- Purpureocillium abundance negatively correlated with cognitive function domains.
- SCZ-related metabolites (2-Oxoarginine, N-Acetyl-serotonin, Ergothioneine) mediated the effects of Purpureocillium on cognitive scores.
- Purpureocillium and metabolites were linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Purpureocillium may contribute to cognitive impairments in SCZ by altering amino acid metabolism related to inflammation and oxidative stress.
- The interplay between fungal presence, immune response, and metabolic changes offers potential avenues for improving cognitive function in SCZ.
- Further research into fungal-immune-metabolite interactions could lead to innovative treatment strategies for SCZ.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...