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Platelet methylene reductase activity in schizophrenia
Abstract:
A case of a folate-responsive psychosis that was associated with a defect in N5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (methylene reductase) suggested the need to examine whether abnormally low activity of this enzyme might be of etiological importance in schizophrenia. We now report that there were no statistically significant differences in the platelet methylene reductase activity of chronic schizophrenics, compared with either hospitalized or nonhospitalized age-matched control subjects. Although it is possible that a larger survey might reveal a subpopulation of schizophrenics who are characterized by abnormal methylene reductase activity, this study suggests that chronic schizophrenia is not generally associated with such changes.
Insights
Low activity of methylene reductase (N5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is not a common cause of schizophrenia. This study found no significant differences in enzyme activity between patients and controls, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- A case study linked folate-responsive psychosis to N5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (methylene reductase) deficiency.
- This suggested a potential role for reduced methylene reductase activity in the etiology of schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if reduced platelet methylene reductase activity is associated with chronic schizophrenia.
- To determine the etiological significance of methylene reductase in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Compared platelet methylene reductase activity in chronic schizophrenic patients.
- Included hospitalized and non-hospitalized age-matched control subjects for comparison.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found in platelet methylene reductase activity between chronic schizophrenics and control groups.
- This indicates that reduced methylene reductase activity is not a general feature of chronic schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that chronic schizophrenia is not typically associated with abnormally low methylene reductase activity.
- While a subpopulation with enzyme defects cannot be ruled out, the findings do not support a widespread role for this enzyme deficiency in schizophrenia.