Increased visceral fat distribution in drug-naive and drug-free patients with schizophrenia

Factors associated with overweight and obesity in schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders

Evidence suggests abnormal bioenergetic status throughout the body in psychotic disorders. The present study examined predictors of elevated body mass index (BMI) across diagnostic categories of schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. In a cross-sectional study, we studied demographic and clinical risk factors for overweight and obesity in a well-characterized sample of 262 inpatients and outpatients with schizophrenia (n=59), schizoaffective disorder (n=81) and bipolar I disorder (n=122). Across the three diagnostic categories, the prevalence of overweight (29.4%) and obesity (33.2%) combined was 62.6% (164/262). Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex and ethnicity, showed that schizoaffective disorder, lifetime major depressive episode, presence of prior suicide attempt, and more than 5 lifetime hospitalizations were significantly associated with BMI≥25. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly lower risk for overweight and obesity. Overall, we found that affective components of illness were associated with elevated BMI in our cross-diagnostic sample. Our results show that patients with schizoaffective disorder have a greater risk for obesity. Identifying predictors of elevated BMI in patients with psychotic and mood disorders will help prevent obesity and related cardiovascular and cerebral complications. Future studies are needed to elucidate the mechanistic nature of the relationship between obesity and psychiatric illness.

Prenatal Inflammation, Infections and Mental Disorders

BACKGROUND

The objective of this descriptive review is to summarize the current scientific evidence on the effect of prenatal exposure to maternal infection and immune response on the offspring's risk for mental disorders (schizophrenia spectrum disorders, autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anorexia nervosa, and mood disorders).

SAMPLING AND METHODS

Studies were searched from PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE (R) databases with the following keywords: 'prenatal exposure delayed effects' and 'infection', and 'inflammation' and 'mental disorders'. A comprehensive manual search, including a search from the reference list of included articles, was also performed.

RESULTS

Prenatal exposure to maternal influenza appears to increase the offspring's risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, although studies are not fully consistent. Prenatal exposure to maternal fever and elevated cytokine levels seems to be related to the elevated risk for autism spectrum disorders in the offspring. No replicated findings of an association between prenatal infectious exposure and other mental disorders exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence for the effect of prenatal exposure to maternal infection on risk for mental disorders exists for several different infections, suggesting that common factors occurring in infections (e.g. elevated cytokine levels and fever), rather than the infectious agent itself, might be the underlying factor in increasing the risk for mental disorders. Additionally, it is likely that genetic liability to these disorders operates in conjunction with the exposure. Therefore, genetically sensitive study designs are needed in future studies.

A systematic review of genetic variants associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of factors that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), one of the leading causes of mortality in patients with schizophrenia. Incidence rates of MetS are significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia compared to the general population. Several factors contribute to this high comorbidity. This systematic review focuses on genetic factors and interrogates data from association studies of genes implicated in the development of MetS in patients with schizophrenia. We aimed to identify variants that potentially contribute to the high comorbidity between these disorders. PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were accessed and a systematic review of published studies was conducted. Several genes showed strong evidence for an association with MetS in patients with schizophrenia, including the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO), leptin and leptin receptor genes (LEP, LEPR), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and the serotonin receptor 2C gene (HTR2C). Genetic association studies in complex disorders are convoluted by the multifactorial nature of these disorders, further complicating investigations of comorbidity. Recommendations for future studies include assessment of larger samples, inclusion of healthy controls, longitudinal rather than cross-sectional study designs, detailed capturing of data on confounding variables for both disorders and verification of significant findings in other populations. In future, big genomic datasets may allow for the calculation of polygenic risk scores in risk prediction of MetS in patients with schizophrenia. This could ultimately facilitate early, precise, and patient-specific pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to minimise CVD associated morbidity and mortality.

Promoting physical health for people with schizophrenia by reducing disparities in medical and dental care

OBJECTIVE

Acquiring a diagnosis of schizophrenia reduces life expectancy for many reasons including poverty, difficulties in communication, side-effects of medication and access to care. This mortality gap is driven by natural deaths; cardiovascular disease is a major cause, but outcomes for people with severe mental illness are worse for many physical health conditions, including cancer, fractures and complications of surgery. We set out to examine the literature on disparities in medical and dental care experienced by people with schizophrenia and suggest possible approaches to improving health.

METHOD

This narrative review used a targeted literature search to identify the literature on physical health disparities in schizophrenia.

RESULTS

There is evidence of inequitable access to and/or uptake of physical and dental health care by those with schizophrenia.

CONCLUSION

The goal was to reduce the mortality gap through equity of access to all levels of health care, including acute care, long-term condition management, preventative medicine and health promotion. We suggest solutions to promote health, wellbeing and longevity in this population, prioritising identification of and intervention for risk factors for premature morbidity and mortality. Shared approaches are vital, while joint education of clinicians will help break down the artificial mind-body divide.

Long-term pathological consequences of prenatal infection: beyond brain disorders

Prenatal immunological adversities such as maternal infection have been widely acknowledged to contribute to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental brain disorders. In recent years, epidemiological and experimental evidence has accumulated to suggest that prenatal exposure to immune challenges can also negatively affect various physiological and metabolic functions beyond those typically associated with primary defects in CNS development. These peripheral changes include excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and increased body weight, impaired glycemic regulation and insulin resistance, altered myeloid lineage development, increased gut permeability, hyperpurinergia, and changes in microbiota composition. Experimental work in animal models further suggests that at least some of these peripheral abnormalities could directly contribute to CNS dysfunctions, so that normalization of peripheral pathologies could lead to an amelioration of behavioral deficits. Hence, seemingly unrelated central and peripheral effects of prenatal infection could represent interrelated pathological entities that emerge in response to a common developmental stressor. Targeting peripheral abnormalities may thus represent a valuable strategy to improve the wide spectrum of behavioral abnormalities that can emerge in subjects with prenatal infection histories.

Concomitant psychiatric problems and hormonal treatment induced metabolic syndrome in gender dysphoria individuals: a 2 year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

Several studies indicate increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among patients with psychiatric disorders as well as among individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) treated by cross-sex hormonal treatment. However, the MetS prevalence among hormone treated GD individuals suffering from psychiatric problems has not been detected.

METHODS

From a sample of 146 GD patients we selected 122 metabolically healthy individuals in order to investigate the prevalence of MetS after the beginning of the cross-sex hormonal treatment in a 2 year follow-up assessment. Furthermore, we assessed differences in MetS prevalence between hormone treated GD patients with and without concomitant psychiatric problems.

RESULTS

When treated with hormone therapy, GD patients reported changes in several parameters which are clustered in MetS, with statistically significant differences compared to baseline. Glyco-insulinemic alterations were more pronounced in male to female patients (MtFs). However, weight gain, waist circumference increases, blood pressure increases, and lipid alterations were similar in MtFs and female to male patients (FtMs). 14.8% of the sample at year 1 and 17.2% at year 2 developed MetS. Among patients with concomitant psychiatric problems, 50% at year 1 and 55% at year 2 developed MetS against 8% at year 1 and 10% at year 2 of patients without concomitant psychiatric problems.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that sex hormones induce MetS in a relatively low proportion of healthy GD individuals and especially during the first year of hormonal treatment. Most importantly, concomitant psychiatric problems are associated with considerably greater MetS prevalence in hormone treated GD individuals.

Antipsychotics-induced metabolic alterations: focus on adipose tissue and molecular mechanisms

The use of antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of mood disorders and psychosis has increased dramatically over the last decade. Despite its consumption being associated with beneficial neuropsychiatric effects in patients, atypical antipsychotics (which are the most frequently prescribed antipsychotics) use is accompanied by some secondary adverse metabolic effects such as weight gain, dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. The molecular mechanisms underlying these adverse effects are not fully understood but have been suggested to involve a dysregulation of adipose tissue homeostasis. As such, the aim of this paper is to review and discuss the role of adipose tissue in the development of secondary adverse metabolic effects induced by atypical antipsychotics. Data analyzed in this article suggest that atypical antipsychotics may increase adipose tissue (particularly visceral adipose tissue) lipogenesis, differentiation/hyperplasia, pro-inflammatory mediator secretion and insulin resistance and decrease adipose tissue lipolysis. Consequently, patients receiving antipsychotic medication could be at risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A better knowledge of the impact of these drugs on adipose tissue homeostasis may unveil strategies to develop novel antipsychotic drugs with less adverse metabolic effects and to develop adjuvant therapies (e.g. behavioral and nutritional therapies) to neuropsychiatric patients receiving antipsychotic medication.

Coupling physical exercise with dietary glucose supplement for treating cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: a theoretical model and future directions

AIMS

Metabolic dysregulation may disrupt the complex neuroprotective mechanisms essential for brain health. Recent studies have pointed out the possible aetiological role of metabolic dysregulation in the onset of schizophrenia and the associated cognitive impairment. In this paper, we aimed to generate a theoretical model of how a combination of physical exercise and dietary glucose supplement may help to alleviate cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.

METHODS

Literature on metabolic dysregulation, especially insulin resistance, in relation to the onset of schizophrenia and the associated cognitive impairment is reviewed. The cognitive enhancement effects of physical exercise and dietary glucose supplement are then summarised. Finally, we propose a theoretical model based on the concerted effects of physical exercise and glucose supplement.

RESULTS

In general, the joint action of physical exercise and dietary glucose supplement could up-regulate glucose and insulin transport into the brain, as well as augmenting the release of insulin growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Physical exercise and glucose supplement could enhance energy supply and neuroplasticity in brain, subsequently leading to potential cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia. However, glucose supplement is not suitable for patients with abnormal metabolic profile.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of physical exercise and glucose supplement has potential therapeutic values in treating cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Further research is necessary to investigate the optimal patterns of exercise and doses of glucose for treating cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.

Barriers and facilitators of a healthy lifestyle among persons with serious and persistent mental illness: perspectives of community mental health providers

The investigators used qualitative methods to examine perspectives of community mental health professionals on obesity management in adults with serious mental illness (SMI). Data from 5 focus groups were subjected to constant comparison analysis and grounded theory. Results showed that influences at individual, social, community, and societal levels impact development and maintenance of obesity. Mental health providers desired a collaborative relationship with health promotion program staff. They also believed that frequent, group-based health promotion should include participation incentives for adults with SMI and should occur over durations of at least 6-months to achieve improved health outcomes for this population.

Diabetes mellitus and disturbances in brain connectivity: a bidirectional relationship?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with deficits across multiple cognitive domains. The observed impairments in cognitive function are hypothesized to be subserved by alterations in brain structure and function. Several lines of evidence indicate that alterations in glial integrity and function, as well as abnormal synchrony within brain circuits and associated networks, are observed in adults with DM. Microangiopathy and alterations in insulin homeostasis appear to be principal effector systems, although a unitary explanation subsuming the complex etiopathology of white matter in DM is unavailable. A contemporary model of disease pathophysiology for several mental disorders, including but not limited to mood disorders, posits abnormalities in the synchronization of cellular systems in circuits. The observation that similar abnormalities occur in diabetic populations provides the basis for hypothesizing the convergence of pathoetiological factors. Herein, we propose that abnormal structure, function and chemical composition as well as synchrony within and between circuits is an accompaniment of DM and is shared in common with several mental disorders.

Improving monitoring for metabolic syndrome using audit

Audit has been defined as "a quality improvement process that seeks to improve patient care and outcome, through systematic review of care and comparison with explicit criteria, followed by the implementation of change". As of May 2011, under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, doctors are legally obliged to join in professional competence schemes, following requirements set by the Medical Council. These include the obligation for doctors to conduct one clinical audit per year. In Ireland and elsewhere, audit provides an opportunity for services to create an "environment in which clinical care will flourish".

Visceral obesity in normal-weight patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

BMI (body mass index) can be misleading regarding the level of adiposity in a normal-weight individual. Recently, a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method was developed that can measure body composition variables. The main objectives of this study were to use BIA to compare the body composition variables between chronic non-diabetic schizophrenic patients with normal weight and healthy individuals. The secondary objective was to compare the nutritional pattern of schizophrenia patients with that of matched healthy subjects, and to identify possible relationships between the content of different components of their diet and visceral adiposity.

METHODS

The subjects were 52 normal-weight patients (33 males and 19 females) diagnosed with schizophrenia based on the DSM-IV and 45 (23 males and 22 females) BMI- matched controls. The patients had been receiving atypical or typical antipsychotic agents for at least one year before enrollment into the study but continuously for 3 months preceding the study and were psychiatrically stable. Body fat (kg), percent (%) body fat, fat-free mass, VAT (visceral adipose tissue) and SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue) were measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method. Daily food rations (DFR) were quantitatively evaluated by a 24-h dietary recall method covering 3 days preceding the examination.

RESULTS

In normal-weight patients schizophrenia was significantly linked with higher VAT, VAT/SAT ratio and lower fat- free mass. Men had over 5 times and women over 2 times as much VAT as BMI matched groups. In women with schizophrenia and in their controls, the amount of magnesium, niacin and vitamin B6 in their diet inversely correlated with VAT, while in men lower zinc and vitamin C intake was related to higher visceral adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has shown that normal-weight patients with chronic schizophrenia have higher levels of visceral fat (VAT) than controls but similar volume of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Although no clear conclusion can be made regarding cause-and-effect relationships between the dietary content of food served to our patients and visceral obesity, we suggest that schizophrenia diet should be further investigated as a possible factor related to this type of obesity.

Cardiovascular effects of antipsychotics

There is great concern over cardiovascular disease in the schizophrenic population owing to the high incidence of cardiovascular mortality. Increased cardiovascular mortality is related to lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking and sedentary lifestyle) and a high prevalence of comorbid medical conditions, including dyslipidemia, the metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. One factor that increases cardiovascular risk is the medications used to treat the core features of schizophrenia. Adverse cardiovascular effects of antipsychotic treatment have been recognized for many decades, especially tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension and rare instances of sudden death; but, since 2000, there has been a significant shift in the focus of risk perception. The older antipsychotic literature is replete with papers primarily concerned with the physiological consequences of muscarinic cholinergic antagonism, alpha(1)-adrenergic antagonism or receptors associated with cardiac conduction, but the current literature recognizes that, for most antipsychotic-exposed patients, the more significant cardiovascular burden of treatment is mediated by metabolic adverse effects such as weight gain, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this review is to examine the cardiovascular risks of treatment with antipsychotic medications, elucidating relevant mechanisms and differences between various agents, especially for metabolic adverse effects seen with atypical antipsychotics.

Unhealthy lifestyle in early psychoses: the role of life stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

An unhealthy lifestyle is thought to contribute to the metabolic syndrome in subjects with psychoses. In the present study we aimed to study whether life stress or cortisol measures may influence dietary patterns in subjects with early stages of psychoses. We studied 81 subjects with early psychoses (65 subjects with a psychotic disorder [PD] and <5 years of illness; 16 subjects at risk for psychosis [high-risk, HR]) and a control group of 25 healthy subjects (HS). Dietary habits were examined by a dietician, who registered food intake (24h recall). Physical activity was assessed by validated questionnaire. Life stress was assessed with Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Scale. Fasting morning salivary and plasma cortisol levels were determined. We found that PD and HR reported an unhealthier lifestyle with more smoking, reduced physical activity and poorer dietary habits. HR reported increased intake of calories and saturated fatty acids and reduced protein consumption, when compared to HS. Life stress was a predictor of these adverse behaviours, although we found opposite associations in HR and PD. Life stress was associated with increased intake of refined sugar in PD and decreased intake in HR and HS. Salivary cortisol was related to increased intake of saturated fat only in HR subjects, but cortisol levels in plasma or saliva were not associated with other dietary habits or obesity measures (BMI, waist circumference). Our study suggests that unhealthy diet in early psychoses is influenced by stress, but our data do not support this effect being mediated by hypercortisolism. Future preventive interventions in psychosis may target dietary habits, particularly for those who are at risk for psychosis.

Neuropsychological deficits in mice depleted of the schizophrenia susceptibility gene CSMD1

Recent meta-analyses of schizophrenia genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified the CUB and SUSHI multiple domains 1 (CSMD1) gene as a statistically strong risk factor. CSMD1 is a complement control-related protein suggested to inhibit the classical complement pathway, being expressed in developing neurons. However, expression of CSMD1 is largely uncharacterized and relevance for behavioral phenotypes is not previously demonstrated. Here, we assess neuropsychological behaviors of a Csmd1 knockout (KO) mouse in a selection of standard behavioral tests. Deregulation of neuropsychological responses were observed in both the open field and the elevated plus maze tests, in which KO mice spent 55% and 33% less time than WT littermate mice in open areas, respectively. Altered behaviors were also observed in tail suspension and to higher acoustic stimuli, for which Csmd1 KO mice showed helplessness and moderate increase in startle amplitude, respectively. Furthermore, Csmd1 KO mice also displayed increased weight-gain and glucose tolerance, similar to a major phenotype of the metabolic syndrome that also has been associated to the human CSMD1 locus. Consistent with a role in the control of behaviors, Csmd1 was found highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), and with some expression in visceral fat and ovary, under tissue-specific control by a novel promoter-associated lncRNA. In summary, disruption of Csmd1 induces behaviors reminiscent of blunted emotional responses, anxiety and depression. These observations suggest an influence of the CSMD1 schizophrenia susceptibility gene on psychopathology and endophenotypes of the negative symptom spectra.

Metabolic syndrome: differences between psychiatric and internal medicine patients

OBJECTIVES

The existence of specific features of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in psychiatric population in comparison to not psychiatric patients has not been systematically investigated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences of MetS among a group of psychiatric patients and a group of internal medicine patients in terms of anthropometric measurements, biochemical variables, and cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

We enrolled 83 psychiatric inpatients under pharmacological treatment (schizophrenia n = 24, bipolar disorder n = 27, major depression n = 14, other n = 18) and 77 internal medicine patients visited for supposed MetS as affected by overweight or arterial hypertension.

RESULTS

Psychiatric patients differed from control subjects by age (yrs) (47 +/- 9 vs. 52 +/- 8.6, p = 0.001), waist circumference (cm) (111.9 +/- 10.9 vs. 106 +/- 12.6, p = 0.02), HDL cholesterol (mg/dl) (36.8 +/- 7 vs. 48 +/- 11.3, p = 0.001), serum insulin (microU/ml) (26 +/- 12.5 vs. 16.4 +/- 8.8, p = 0.001), triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio (4.8 +/- 2.7 vs. 3.3 +/- 2.2, p = 0.01). Female psychiatric patients had higher levels of triglycerides (mg) (178 + 86 vs. 115 + 53, p = 0.002) and of HOMA index (7.8 + 5 vs. 3.8 + 3.3, p = 0.005). Triglycerides and triglycerides/HDL ratio levels were higher in Unipolar Depression. A positive association was found between antidepressant drug treatment with triglycerides and triglycerides/HDL ratio levels, neuroleptic treatment with the HOMA index, and antipsychotics drugs with the Framingham index.

LIMITATIONS

Psychiatric study population numerosity and duration of psychiatric illness and drug treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific features of MetS in psychiatric population are mainly represented by young age of onset, hyperinsulinemia, increased abdominal adiposity, and low HDL cholesterol whose common denominator may be insulin-resistance.

Chronic high fat diet consumption impairs sensorimotor gating in mice

Chronic intake of high fat diets (HFD) has been long recognized to induce neuronal adaptations and impair elementary cognitive functions. Yet, the consequences of chronic HFD consumption on central information processing remain elusive. The present study thus explored the impact of chronic HFD consumption on pre-attentive central information processing using the paradigm of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex in mice. Animals were fed an experimental diet with 60% of its calories derived from fat, and were compared to control low fat diet (LFD, 10% calories from fat) fed animals. A first experimental series demonstrated that adult mice exposed to chronic HFD throughout adolescent development displayed significant deficits in PPI compared to LFD-fed mice. Identical chronic HFD treatment further led to presynaptic dopaminergic abnormalities in the form of increased tyrosine hydroxylase density in the nucleus accumbens core and shell subregions. Moreover, we found that tyrosine hydroxylase density in the nucleus accumbens shell negatively correlated with the mean PPI scores, suggesting a potential contribution of the accumbal dopamine system to HFD-induced PPI deficits. This impression was further supported by an additional series of experiments showing that the HFD-induced attenuation of PPI can be mitigated by systemic administration of the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol. Finally, HFD feeding was sufficient to disrupt PPI when its exposure was restricted to the peripubertal period, whilst the same manipulation failed to affect PPI when limited to adulthood. In conclusion, our findings emphasize that pre-attentive information processing as assessed by the PPI paradigm is highly sensitive to nutritional factors in the form of chronic HFD consumption, especially when initiated during peripubertal maturation. It is likely that the disrupting effects of HFD on sensorimotor gating involve, at least in part, dopaminergic mechanisms.

A randomized, 12-week study of the effects of extended-release paliperidone (paliperidone ER) and olanzapine on metabolic profile, weight, insulin resistance, and β-cell function in schizophrenic patients

OBJECTIVE

To compare matched paliperidone-ER- and olanzapine-treated schizophrenic patients on measures of glucose and lipid metabolism.

METHODS

Eighty hospitalized patients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV) were randomly assigned to treatment with paliperidone ER or olanzapine for a period of 12 weeks. At baseline and every 4 weeks, we assessed weight, subcutaneous fat, waist and hip circumferences, fasting glucose, insulin, glycohemoglobin A1, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and prolactin. We also assessed at every time point body mass index (BMI), homeostasis insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and homeostasis β-cell function (HOMA-B).

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients randomly assigned to paliperidone ER and 23 patients randomly assigned to olanzapine groups completed the entire 12-week treatment. Within-group analyses showed that fasting measures in both groups increased for weight, BMI, waist circumferences, hip circumference, subcutaneous fat, cholesterol, triglycerides, and prolactin. In contrast, fasting glucose, LDL, and HOMA-B increased during treatment only in the olanzapine group. We also detected significantly different serum prolactin levels at all time point between the paliperidone ER- and olanzapine-treated groups, as well as a statistical trend for HOMA-B to increase more in the olanzapine compared to paliperidone-ER group over the 12 weeks of the trial. We did not detect, however, differential drug effects over the 12 weeks of the trial on fasting measures of BMI, glucose, glycohemoglobin A1, insulin, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, triglyceride, or HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSION

This study reinforces the necessity of regularly monitoring metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia taking atypical antipsychotics, including paliperidone ER.

The comparison of glycometabolism parameters and lipid profiles between drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients and healthy controls

To compare the difference in body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and glucose and lipid metabolism parameters between drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients and healthy controls matched for age, ethnicity and gender, we conducted a test including BMI, WHR, and fasting glucose and lipid metabolism parameters in both 70 drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients, having not a single day of cumulative exposure to antipsychotic medications and 44 normal healthy controls at baseline. Student's t tests (two tailed) were conducted to examine between group differences. We found that drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia patients had higher insulin, insulin resistance and C-peptide levels, and had lower total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and apolipoproteinA1 levels. Simultaneously, drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients show a potential tendency of WHR enlargement, although there were no statistically significant differences between groups (mean=0.82, SD=0.06, for the patients versus mean=0.79, SD=0.06, for the health subjects). These results suggest that drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients do differ from healthy controls in their fasting glycometabolism parameters and lipid profiles, including fasting plasma levels of insulin, C-peptide, TC, HDL-c, and apolipoproteinA1, and patients are more insulin resistant before the onset of antipsychotic medication treatment.

Strategies for prevention and management of second generation antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects

Preventing, minimizing and managing risks associated with second generation antipsychotic (SGA) use in patients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders is a priority for clinicians working with this population. Among these risks is metabolic syndrome. As this population exhibits increased rates of obesity, diabetes and atherogenic dyslipidemia compared to the general population, metabolic syndrome deserves serious consideration in patient care planning for managing risks. This article comprehensively reviews different strategies and recommendations for prevention and/or management of metabolic abnormalities associated with the use of SGAs. Baseline screening and follow-up metabolic monitoring as well as education and counseling on risk for SGA-induced weight gain and other metabolic abnormalities, physical activity and healthy diet for weight maintenance/loss should be promoted shortly after initiation of SGAs. In select patients, the clinician can consider simplifying the antipsychotic treatment regimen by switching to an agent with a lower propensity of metabolic side effects or possibly adding metformin for weight loss and glucose metabolism regulation in those experiencing a first episode of schizophrenia. Future research should focus on combinations of interventions and treatment modalities and exploration of novel interventions.

Association of metabolic syndrome with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with mental illnesses. It is a major predictor of mortality and morbidity in patients of such mental illnesses. This study was undertaken to study the association of MetS and schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES

To study the association of MetS in patients of schizophrenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult schizophrenic patients diagnosed as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual -IV Third R evisioncriteria visiting the psychiatric Out Patient Day during the study period were evaluated for prevalence of MetS as per the criteria of the international diabetes federation. Fifty patients of schizophrenia with age-and sex-matched 50 controls were enrolled for the study.

RESULTS

MetS was found to be 28% in patient group and 12% in control group (P < 0.05). Fourteen patients were found to have MetS out of 38 patients who were on antipsychotics for >6 months. All the 14 patients having MetS were taking second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study showed a higher prevalence of MetS in schizophrenia than in general population. MetS was present only in patients taking SGAs and prevalence of MetS had a positive correlation with duration of treatment. The study points toward urgent need for consultation - liaisoning between Diabetologist and Psychiatrists.

Metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia: Differences between antipsychotic-naïve and treated patients

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in general population and in patients with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia. This paper reviews studies on MetS in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, and assesses the contribution of antipsychotics toward the development of MetS. Databases of Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for MetS, psychotic disorders, and antipsychotic drugs from inception till present. Prevalence of MetS in patients with schizophrenia was found to be ranging from 3.3% to 68.0%. Prevalence in antipsychotic-naïve and antipsychotic-treated patients ranged between 3.3-26.0% and 32.0-68.0% respectively, and was higher in younger patients, female gender and Hispanics, and lower in African-Americans and Orientals. Prevalence of metabolic abnormalities was higher in patients receiving second generation antipsychotics (SGAs), especially with clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone, as compared to first generation antipsychotics (FGAs). Antipsychotic-induced changes on metabolic indices became evident after 2 weeks and reached maximum at 3 months of treatment. There is a need to sensitize the mental health professionals at all levels about the need of screening and monitoring for MetS in patients receiving antipsychotics.

Metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia

To review the data with respect to prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its correlates in schizophrenia. For this review, electronic search engines PUBMED, Sciencedirect, and Google Scholar were used. Available data suggests that most of the studies have been of cross-sectional design. Prevalence rates of MetS have varied from 11% to 69% in medicated patients, and 4-26% in drug naive patients in cross-sectional evaluations. Longitudinal studies have shown the prevalence rates to range from 0% to 14% at the baseline in drug naive patients, which increase to as high as 52.4% by 3 months of antipsychotic medication treatment. The prevalence rates of MetS in patients with schizophrenia are much higher than that seen in general population or healthy controls. Though there is no causal association with any demographic or clinical variables, the risk increases with increase in age. Among antipsychotics, there seems to be an association between MetS and atypical antipsychotics like clozapine and olanzapine. Therefore, the psychiatrists should be more vigilant regarding the presence of MetS in these high risk groups. Research on biological correlates of MetS in schizophrenia is still in its primitive stage, however, these is some evidence to suggest an association of MetS with adiponectin levels, hematological indices, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and Alpha-1A adrenergic receptor (ADRA1A) gene. These areas hold promise, and targeting these with appropriate interventions may help us to prevent the occurrence of MetS in patients with schizophrenia in future.

The multidimensional nature of metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia: lessons from studies of one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation

Large data sets indicate that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia in comparison with the general population. Given that interactions between genes and the environment may underlie the etiology of MetS in subjects with schizophrenia, it is feasible that epigenetic phenomena can serve as the etiological consensus between genetic and environmental factors. However, there is still a striking scarcity of studies aimed at investigating the role of aberrant DNA methylation in the development of MetS in this group of patients. This article provides an update on the epigenetics of schizophrenia and reviews studies on the role of one-carbon metabolism and aberrant DNA methylation in the development of MetS.

Diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia in West-Bank, Palestine

AIMS

The main aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with schizophrenia, to compare it with those published in the general population, and to assess significant associations with dysglycemia defined as having either pre-DM or DM.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study carried out in 4 governmental primary psychiatric healthcare centers in Northern West-Bank, Palestine. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for defining pre-DM and DM were used. Dysglycemia was defined as FBG >110mg/dl.

RESULTS

Based on WHO criteria, 27 patients (10.8%) had diabetes and 34 (13.6%) had pre-diabetes. The prevalence of DM in patients with schizophrenia was not significantly higher than that reported in the general population of Palestine. However, the prevalence of pre-DM was significantly higher than that reported in the general population of Palestine. Regression analysis showed that advancing age and abnormal waist circumference were significant predictors of dysglycemia in patients with schizophrenia.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed the high prevalence of dysglycemia in patients with schizophrenia, supporting the need for monitoring of blood glucose in this category of patients. The presence of primary risk factors is more important in the development of dysglycemia in patients with schizophrenia than exposure to antipsychotic drugs.

Priming of metabolic dysfunctions by prenatal immune activation in mice: relevance to schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with increased risk for multiple metabolic abnormalities, including altered glucose homeostasis, type-2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Some of the metabolic alterations can already exist in psychosis-prone subjects prior to the onset of chronic schizophrenic disease and pharmacotherapy, indicating that they may have a developmental origin. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that metabolic alterations pertinent to schizophrenic disease can be primed by an environmental risk factor associated with the disorder, namely prenatal exposure to immune challenge. We used a well-established mouse model of prenatal immune challenge induced by maternal gestational treatment with poly(I:C) (="polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid"), an analog of double-stranded RNA that stimulates a cytokine-associated viral-like acute phase response. Metabolic effects were studied using high-resolution computed tomography and fully automated indirect calorimetry system, along with an oral glucose tolerance test and plasma cytokine and corticosterone measurements. We found that prenatal immune activation caused altered glycemic regulation and abnormal ingestive behavior in periadolescence and led to an adult onset of excess visceral and subcutaneous fat deposition. These effects were accompanied by age-dependent changes in peripheral secretion of proinflammatory (interleukin [IL]-6 and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and T cell-related (IL-2 and interferon [IFN]-γ) cytokines and by increased release of the stress hormone corticosterone in periadolescence. Our findings show that schizophrenia-relevant metabolic and physiological abnormalities can be primed by prenatal viral-like immune activation, but at the same time, our study emphasizes that this environmental insult is unlikely to precipitate the full spectrum of metabolic and immunological changes pertinent to chronic schizophrenic disease.

The prevalence and mechanisms of metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia: a review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a constellation of central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and glucose intolerance, is highly prevalent in individuals with schizophrenia and conveys significant cardiovascular risk and mortality. Associated risk factors are female sex, some ethnic groups, advanced age, long duration of illness, smoking and exposure to antipsychotic agents. The prevalence of MetS varies across countries and psychiatric populations, and its development can be very rapid. Regular monitoring of all features of MetS is the cornerstone of its early detection and management. Future research needs to focus more on genetic determinants of MetS in the context of schizophrenic illness. This review aims to update the reader with the latest knowledge about the prevalence of MetS in schizophrenia and what might be the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Antipsychotic-induced metabolic and cardiovascular side effects in schizophrenia: a novel mechanistic hypothesis

The use of antipsychotics is hindered by the frequent occurrence of metabolic and cardiovascular side effects, resulting in worsened quality of life and greater mortality as a result of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders in schizophrenia patients than the comparable general population. The various antipsychotics induce extrapyramidal symptoms, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, weight gain, hypertension and arrhythmias, with variable frequency. Second-generation antipsychotics appear to have several advantages over first-generation antipsychotics, including a claimed better action on cognitive function and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and lower frequency of extrapyramidal side effects; however, their use is associated with a greater frequency of metabolic and cardiovascular disturbances. The mechanisms of these important side effects are not well understood, and generic approaches (psychoeducational programmes and symptomatic therapies) have been proposed to limit their severity. Extensive data from the literature indicate that autonomic nervous system dysfunction--intrinsic to schizophrenia and strongly exacerbated by antipsychotic treatment--is the cause of the pervasive metabolic and vascular dysfunctions associated with schizophrenia. In this article, we marshal further literature data to argue that the metabolic and cardiovascular side effects of antipsychotics are primarily mediated by their ability to block peripheral dopamine receptors, which physiologically modulate sympathetic activity. We also propose that these effects might be overcome by providing peripheral dopaminergic stimulation.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia in Palestine

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of the most dangerous cardiac risk factors and is associated with high mortality. Ethnic differences in metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria and prevalence rates have been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the MS prevalence among patients with schizophrenia in Palestine.

METHODS

We recruited 250 patients with schizophrenia from 4 psychiatric primary healthcare centers in Northern Palestine. The MS prevalence was assessed based on National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Adapted criteria.

RESULTS

The overall MS prevalence was 43.6%, with 39% in male and 55.9% in female patients. On average, the study patients had 2.3 ± 1.3 metabolic abnormalities. Univariate analysis showed that MS was significantly higher with older age, female gender, longer duration of the illness, smoking, abdominal obesity, high systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL-C, and high fasting plasma glucose. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only systolic blood pressure, high triglycerides, high fasting plasma glucose, and low HDL-C were significant predictors of MS in schizophrenic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MS is common among Arab patients with schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia should receive regular monitoring and adequate treatment of cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Assessing clinical and functional outcomes in a gene-environment interaction study in first episode of psychosis (PEPs)

The PEPs study is a multicenter, naturalistic, prospective, longitudinal study designed to evaluate clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, biochemical, environmental and pharmacogenetic variables in a sample of nearly 350 first episode of psychosis patients and 250 healthy controls. The PEPs project was conducted in Spain from January 2009 to December 2011. This article describes the rationale for the measurement approach adopted, providing an overview of the selected clinical and functional measures. The main objectives are: a) the thorough clinical and neurocognitive characterization of a sample of first episodes of psychosis, and b) the study of the interactions between the genetic and environmental variables selected to predict clinical and brain structural outcomes, and to determine the relationship of genetic polymorphisms involved in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and the responses and adverse effects of treatment.

Organizing care for persons with psychotic disorders and risk of or existing diabetes mellitus type 2

This literature review aimed to explore previous knowledge about specific care requirements for persons with psychotic disorders and risk of or existing type 2 diabetes. Sixteen qualitative and quantitative studies in the area were identified and summarized. The studies together indicate that mental health nurses play an important role in motivating people to perform diabetes care as they are often known to and trusted by the patients. A holistic approach to the person's health, with close follow-ups by psychiatric care and cooperation with diabetes care, may have benefits for the person with diabetes. Screening for and treating psychotic symptoms is an important task for the mental health nurse, as these symptoms drain energy from the person and prevent diabetes self-care. Lifestyle and diabetes education needs to be practical, adapted to the individual and focused on maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, changing smoking habits and preventing diabetes complications. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs increases the need for follow-ups of glycaemic control.

Interventions for the metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia: a review

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an increasingly prevalent condition in people with schizophrenia. It remains highly prevalent in the general population in developed countries, but recently health promotion campaigns and greater awareness of the high associated mortality rates have resulted in improvements in the rates of cardiovascular risk factors. This is not the case for people with schizophrenia who continue to have more than twice the rates of MetS and significantly higher mortality rates than the general population. Various behavioural and pharmacological interventions have been used to improve conditions that are linked to MetS, mainly smoking and obesity. This review aims to provide an update of the latest knowledge about the behavioural, pharmacological and other interventions that might help to combat this life-threatening problem in people with schizophrenia.

The physical health of the seriously mentally ill: an overview of the literature

Despite the wealth of literature which attests to the relationship between serious mental illness (SMI) and physical ill health, the provision of optimum physical health care for mental health service users remains a challenge. In England the Department of Health has identified the evident health inequalities for people with SMI as a priority area for health improvement, publishing numerous policy directives aimed at addressing these inequalities. However, this is a highly complex process and little is known about why the rhetoric of holistic health care has proved unattainable thus far. In this paper we present an informed commentary of the contemporary literature with the aim of offering a more comprehensive understanding of the health inequalities faced by people with SMI. We searched relevant databases for publications related to: the causes of poor physical health among the mentally ill, strategies to address these health needs and the impact which professional education, culture and services structure has on this facet of service delivery. This enabled us to identify potential strategies that can be adopted by health care practitioners wishing to improve the health of this vulnerable group, and by educationalists to advance professionals' knowledge of this important and ostensibly neglected area.

The secret food diary of a person diagnosed with schizophrenia

The objective was to consider the feasibility of food diaries as a method of understanding the dietary behaviour of people with schizophrenia. Examination of the food diaries completed in 1 week by eight patients with schizophrenia. All the patients were successful in completing the task. Examination of the food diaries revealed that: eating fruit and vegetables was largely absent; there was very little variety in most of the patients' diets; patients relied heavily on convenience food and ready meals for their main meal; as a rule patients followed an ordered mealtime routine; generally patients did not drink enough fluid; they were not big treat eaters; only one patient recorded drinking any alcohol; overall there appeared to be poor diet literacy in our small sample. The results show that on the whole, people with schizophrenia have a poor diet. This could be due to a combination of financial difficulty, lack of skills in food preparation, lack of motivation to prepare food or ignorance of what constitutes a healthy diet. The fact that they all managed to complete the task is perhaps evidence of motivation to improve their health and demonstrates the utility of food diaries in educating this population.

The "selfish brain" hypothesis for metabolic abnormalities in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

Metabolic abnormalities are frequent in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD), leading to a high prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome in this population. Moreover, mortality rates among patients are higher than in the general population, especially due to cardiovascular diseases. Several neurobiological systems involved in energy metabolism have been shown to be altered in both illnesses; however, the cause of metabolic abnormalities and how they relate to schizophrenia and BD pathophysiology are still largely unknown. The "selfish brain" theory is a recent paradigm postulating that, in order to maintain its own energy supply stable, the brain modulates energy metabolism in the periphery by regulation of both allocation and intake of nutrients. We hypothesize that the metabolic alterations observed in these disorders are a result of an inefficient regulation of the brain energy supply and its compensatory mechanisms. The selfish brain theory can also expand our understanding of stress adaptation and neuroprogression in schizophrenia and BD, and, overall, can have important clinical implications for both illnesses.

Psychological and psychiatric aspects of treatment of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Chronic illnesses incur a tremendous cost to American lives in dollars and quality of life. Outcomes in these illnesses are often affected by psychological, behavioral, and pharmacologic issues related to mental illness and psychological symptoms. This article focuses on psychological and psychiatric issues related to the treatment of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including available weight-loss interventions, the complex relationship between psychiatric disorders and obesity, and special considerations regarding use of psychiatric drugs in patients with or at risk for NAFLD and obesity. Recommendations for collaborative care of individuals with comorbid NAFLD and psychological disorders/symptoms are discussed.

Metabolic syndrome in patients with severe mental illness undergoing psychiatric rehabilitation receiving high dose antipsychotic medication

BACKGROUND

To review evidence of chronic antipsychotic medication and the association with metabolic syndrome in mentally ill patients. This evidence was used to analyse a cohort of patients with severe mental illness and to deduce a correlation between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and their dose regimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four male patients undergoing Psychiatric rehabilitation underwent a review of current medication and assessment of risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Assessment criteria was based upon National Cholesterol Education Programme expert panel on detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) (NCEP ATP III) criteria, incorporating waist circumference, raised triglycerides, reduced high density lipoprotein, raised blood pressure and fasting blood glucose. PubMed, Nature and Science Direct databases have been used to compile the medical and scientific background on metabolic syndrome and antipsychotic medication and the effect on patients particularly on high dose.

RESULTS

Out of 24 patients, 10 patients (41.7%) were receiving high dose antipsychotics (HDA) and four were on maximum dosage limits of 100%. 8.3% (2/24) patients were receiving only one first generation antipsychotics (FGA), 37.5% (9/24) patients were receiving only one second generation antipsychotic (SGA), 45.8% patients (11/24) were receiving two or more SGA only, and only one patient was receiving two or more FGA. One patient was receiving a combination of FGA and SGA. PRN ("as needed") therapy was not included in this study as their usage was limited. Clozapine was mostly prescribed in these patients (10/24, 41.6%). Four out of the 24 patients refused blood tests therefore were excluded from the following results. In the patients evaluated, 55% (11/20) had confirmed metabolic syndrome. In these patients with metabolic syndrome, 45.4% (5/11) were on HDA and 27.3% (3/11) were on maximum British National Formulary (BNF) limits of 100% of dosage. Four out of the nine remaining patients not diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were on HDA.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence supports the association between antipsychotic medication and metabolic syndrome. The data extrapolated from this cohort of mentally ill patients demonstrates that there is an increase in risk factors for metabolic syndrome and weight gain in the majority of patients on antipsychotic medication. The data however does not support any further predisposition to metabolic syndrome in these patients taking HDA. It also cannot be assumed antipsychotic medication is independently associated with the prevalence of these abnormalities.

Monitoring and documentation of side effects from depot antipsychotic medication: an interdisciplinary audit of practice in a regional mental health service

This audit reviewed current practice within a rural mental health service area on the monitoring and documentation of side effects of antipsychotic depot medication. A sample of 60 case files, care plans and prescriptions were audited, which is 31% of the total number of service users receiving depot injections in the mental health service region (n= 181). The sample audited had a range of diagnoses, including: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder, depression, alcoholic hallucinosis and autism. The audit results revealed that most service users had an annual documented medical review and a documented prescription. However, only five (8%) case notes examined had documentation recorded describing the condition of the injection site, and alternation of the injection site was recorded in only 28 (47%) case notes. No case notes examined had written consent to commence treatment recorded. In 57 (95%) of case notes, no documentation of recorded information on the depot and on side effects was given. The failure to monitor and record some blood tests was partly attributed to a lack of clarity regarding whose responsibility it was. A standardized checklist has been developed as a result of the audit and this will be introduced by all teams across the service.

Body composition in patients with schizophrenia: Comparison with healthy controls

BACKGROUND

Recently, a relationship between obesity and schizophrenia has been reported. Although fat- mass and fat free mass have been shown to be more predictive of health risk than body mass index, there are limited findings about body composition among patients suffering from schizophrenia. The aim of this study is to compare the body composition of schizophrenia patients with that of healthy subjects in Japan.

METHODS

We recruited patients (n = 204), aged 41.3 ± 13.8 (mean ± SD) years old with the DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia who were admitted to psychiatric hospital using a cross-sectional design. Subjects' anthropometric measurements including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and medications were also collected. Body fat, percent (%) body fat, fat- free mass, muscle mass, and body water were measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method. Comparative analysis was performed with schizophrenic subjects and 204 healthy control individuals.

RESULTS

In a multiple regression model with age, body mass index, and dose in chlorpromazine equivalents, schizophrenia was a significantly linked with more body fat, higher % body fat, lower fat- free mass, lower muscle mass, and lower body water among males. In females, schizophrenia had a significant association with lower % body fat, higher fat- free mass, higher muscle mass, and higher body water.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate gender differences with regard to changes in body composition in association with schizophrenia. These results indicate that intervention programs designed to fight obesity among schizophrenic patients should be individualized according to gender.

Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular flexibility and strength in first-episode schizophrenia patients: use of a standardized fitness assessment

AIM

This study determined the fitness status and examined potential correlates of fitness in first-episode schizophrenia patients using a standardized fitness test protocol.

METHODS

A certified fitness instructor administered the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) fitness test to 70 recent-onset schizophrenia participants within 3 months of entry into the study.

RESULTS

Percentile ranks of scores on muscular strength and endurance, muscular flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness in our sample were all below the 50th percentile when compared with national norms in the United States. As expected, patients with a higher body mass index and those who smoked had poorer cardiorespiratory fitness. A non-significant trend indicated that patients with a longer duration of illness had worse cardiorespiratory fitness. Exposure to antipsychotic medication was unrelated to cardiorespiratory fitness.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that physical fitness is impaired and might decline over time in first-episode schizophrenia patients, but this needs to be confirmed in a longitudinal study.

The metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia: is inflammation a contributing cause?

This non-systematic review of the literature summarizes the evidence that inflammation plays a major role in the psychopathology of schizophrenia and in the mechanisms that contribute to physical ill health that is commonly associated with schizophrenia. The impact of prenatal infections on the developing brain, the possible genetic link between the human lymphocyte antigen gene, inflammation, heart disease and diabetes, together with the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid provide convincing evidence that inflammation is a major factor in the pathology of this disorder. The changes in immune-related markers and specific neurotransmitters associated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia are described. In addition, the possible mechanism whereby structural changes occur in the brain is associated with the neurotoxic effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, together with the neurotoxic metabolites from the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway that is activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, is also discussed. The role of effective antipsychotic drug treatment in attenuating the inflammatory response is described. However, evidence is limited regarding the causal connection between atypical antipsychotic drugs and the changes in glucose and lipid metabolism that could trigger the onset of physical ill health, including diabetes and heart disease. Indeed, there is evidence that there is a metabolic predisposition to diabetes in patients with schizophrenia that is exacerbated by obesity and thereby contributes to cardiovascular disease and other co-morbid illnesses. It is concluded that the effects of inflammatory mediators on the brain causally contribute to the pathology of schizophrenia and the ill health that accompanies the disorder.

A critical review of major mortality risk factors for all-cause mortality in first-episode schizophrenia: clinical and research implications

A bibliographical search was performed to identify and evaluate the impact in first-episode schizophrenia of the major mortality risk factors as described by the World Health Organisation (2009). We found that at first diagnosis rates of diabetes were only slightly increased, although lipid abnormalities, mild hypertension and being overweight were commonly reported. Levels of drug and alcohol abuse were high, as were pre-diagnosis rates of smoking, physical inactivity and poor cardiorespiratory fitness. During the first year of antipsychotic treatment, there were significant increases in the rates of hyperglycaemia/diabetes, obesity, lipid abnormalities and hypertension, but no changes in fitness levels, smoking or drug and alcohol abuse. In chronic schizophrenia, excess cancer and cardiac deaths seem linked in part to availability and quality of care. Innate risk factors such as abnormal reelin and raised prolactin may also be important. New evidence, such as an inverse relationship between body mass index and suicide in the general population, suggests accepted wisdom may not apply to patients at high risk of ending their own lives. With current knowledge emphasis needs to be placed by early intervention services on physical fitness, smoking and other substance misuse, diabetes and hypertension, as well as focusing on weight reduction only in the obese.