Functional Characterization and Expression Patterns of novel_circ_037817 in Schizophrenia Patients

Dysregulation of circular RNA (circRNA) is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, yet its role in schizophrenia (SCZ) has rarely been reported. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical relevance and functional role of novel_circ_037817 in schizophrenia patients. qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of novel_circ_037817, TNF‑α, and IL‑1β in PBMCs from 97 patients and 101 healthy controls. Spearman correlation and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the associations among circRNA expression, PANSS scores, and immune and endocrine indices. In an SH‑SY5Y injury model induced by MK‑801, novel_circ_037817 expression was knocked down using siRNA, and its effects on cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK‑8 assays, flow cytometry, and western blotting. This study revealed that novel_circ_037817, TNF-α, and IL-1β expressions were significantly upregulated in PBMCs from SCZ patients compared with those from the control group. novel_circ_037817 was weakly correlated with both TNF-α (Rs = 0.418; P < 0.001) and IL-1β (Rs = 0.259; P < 0.001). novel_circ_037817 expression was positively correlated with PANSS positive total scores, delusions, conceptual disorganization, monocyte proportion, and thyroid-related indicators in SCZ patients but negatively correlated with unusual thought content. RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear dose-response relationship with PANSS negative total scores, lack of response, blunted affect, emotional withdrawal, and difficulty in abstract thinking. Under MK-801 treatment conditions, knockdown of novel_circ_037817 expression increased cell viability, inhibited apoptosis, increased Bcl-2 expression, and reduced Bax expression. In summary, this study provides the first evidence that novel_circ_037817 may be involved in SCZ and offers a novel target for SCZ intervention.