http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowFulltext&ArtikelNr=239684&Ausgabe=251886&ProduktNr=224082Objectives: Several oxidants and antioxidants have been evaluated in schizophrenia. However, previous studies frequently focused on individual parameters. Determination of the total oxidant and antioxidant status may be more useful. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate both plasma total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) together with the oxidative stress index (OSI) in schizophrenia patients for the first time in the literature. Methods: A total of 60 schizophrenia patients and 40 healthy volunteers were included in the study.
The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression-severity scale (CGI-S) were used to evaluate the severity of schizophrenia in the patients. TOS and TAS were measured in plasma and the OSI was calculated for patients and controls. Results: There was no difference between patients and controls with regard to TOS, but the patients' TAS and OSI were significantly lower and higher, respectively, than those of the controls.
No difference was detected between the schizophrenia subtypes or between the patients on typical or atypical antipsychotic medications or a combination of the two with regard to oxidative parameters. There was a weak to moderately significant negative correlation between TAS and total, positive and general psychopathology PANSS scores. Finally, we found a weak to moderately significant negative correlation between the CGI-S score and TOS and between the CGI-S score and TAS. Conclusions: There is a defect in the antioxidant defense system in schizophrenia.
Known oxidative stress that causes oxidative cell damage and thus contributes to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia may be mainly related to this defensive defect. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WPH-4C8NJP8-4&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1052376190&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=ff7dae79d7d84881ab320bb5978822d6Abstract
Studies suggest that the omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be beneficial in reducing symptom severity in schizophrenia. The mechanism(s) underlying the clinical effect is not known. Serotonin (5-HT) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and in the mechanism of some antipsychotic agents. 5-HT receptors are known to be modified by omega-3 fatty acids. We examined whether supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-modified 5-HT amplified ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients with schizophrenia. Two grams of ethyl-EPA was administered daily for 6 months supplementally to ongoing antipsychotic treatment in 12 patients with chronic schizophrenia, using an open-label design. Red blood cell membrane fatty acids and platelet functions (platelet aggregation and dense granule secretion) were monitored at baseline, 1-, 3- and 6-months.
The EPA levels were elevated more than five-fold in RBC membranes of all patients after 3 months supplementation, indicating a high degree of compliance. Consistent with previous reports, there was inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation by EPA supplementation. Moreover, EPA markedly enhanced the 5-HT responsivity as measured by the magnitude of 5-HT amplification on ADP-induced platelet aggregation.
Previously, we have demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between 5-HT responsivity and psychosis severity in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia.
Taken together, the present data support the notion that EPA may be mediating its therapeutic effects in schizophrenia via modulation of the 5-HT2 receptor complex.