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Cryoglobulins as indicators of upregulated immune response in schizophrenia
Anna Boyajyan1, Aren Khoyetsyan, Gohar Tsakanova
1Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan St, 0014 Yerevan, Armenia. aboyajyan@sci.am
Insights
Schizophrenia patients show elevated levels of abnormal immune complexes called cryoglobulins (Cgs). These Cgs bind complement proteins, indicating a role in the immune response associated with schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Abnormal immune complexes, such as cryoglobulins (Cgs), are implicated in various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
- The role of Cgs in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the concentration and immunochemical composition of Cgs in the blood of patients with schizophrenia.
- To investigate the potential involvement of Cgs in the immune response associated with schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Eighty individuals with schizophrenia (55 medicated, 25 drug-free) and 40 healthy controls were included.
- Cryoglobulins were isolated from blood serum via low-temperature precipitation and washing.
- Immunochemical analysis of Cgs was performed using electrophoretic and immunoblotting techniques.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher levels of type III Cgs were observed in schizophrenia patients compared to controls.
- Cgs isolated from schizophrenia patients contained C1q and C3 complement proteins and their activation products.
Conclusions:
- Cryoglobulins are elevated in schizophrenia and bind complement proteins.
- These findings suggest Cgs contribute to the upregulated immune response in schizophrenia by activating the complement cascade and potentially triggering aberrant apoptosis.
Objective:
In the present work the concentration of abnormal immune complexes, cryoglobulins (Cgs), in the blood of schizophrenic patients was determined, and immunochemical composition of these complexes was studied.
Patients And Methods:
Eighty multiple-episode schizophrenia-affected subjects (55 medicated, 25 drug-free) and 40 healthy controls were involved in the study. Cgs were isolated by exposure of blood serum samples to precipitation at low temperature followed by extensive washings of Cg-enriched pellets. The immunochemical composition of Cgs was analyzed using different electrophoretic and immunoblotting systems.
Results:
Significantly increased blood serum levels of type III Cgs were detected in all schizophrenia-affected subjects, as compared to controls. We also revealed the presence of C1q and C3 complement proteins and their activation products in Cgs isolated from the blood of schizophrenic patients.
Conclusions:
The results of the present study suggest that Cgs are involved in schizophrenia-associated upregulated immune response by binding the complement proteins, activating the complement cascade and triggering aberrant apoptosis.
