Male sex may be associated with higher metabolic risk in first-episode schizophrenia patients: A preliminary study

Gender Differences in Prevalence and Associated Factors of Dyslipidemia in Initial-Treatment and Drug-Naïve Schizophrenia Patients

Background

Dyslipidemia is frequently comorbid with schizophrenia (SCZ), and both conditions often demonstrate significant gender differences in their clinical features. This study specifically focuses on investigating the prevalence of dyslipidemia and the factors that contribute to it in initial-treatment and drug-naïve (ITDN) SCZ patients, specifically focusing on gender differences.

Methods

A total of 224 male ITDN SCZ patients and 424 female ITDN SCZ patients were included in this study. Socio-demographic and general clinical data of the patients were collected, and routine biochemical parameters, such as lipid levels, fasting blood glucose, thyroid function, renal function, and blood cell counts, were measured. Patients were also assessed for psychopathology and disease severity using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale - Severity of Illness (CGI-SI), respectively. In addition, a lipids score was calculated for assessing the severity of dyslipidemia.

Results

The study revealed that the prevalence of dyslipidemia in male patients was 34.02% (83/224), whereas 33.25% (141/424) in females, indicating no statistically significant difference (χ2 = 0.04, p = 0.841). For males, the risk factors for dyslipidemia were high education levels and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), while red blood cell count (RBC) as a protective factor. Additionally, DBP was identified as a risk factor for dyslipidemia score. In females, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was identified as a risk factor for dyslipidemia, while being married and creatinine (CRE) levels were found to be protective factors. Moreover, SBP was revealed as a risk factor for dyslipidemia score.

Conclusion

No significant gender differences were observed in the prevalence of dyslipidemia among the ITDN SCZ patients. However, notable gender differences were identified in the factors influencing dyslipidemia and its severity within this group. These findings suggest the necessity of implementing gender-specific interventions to address the potential risk factors associated with dyslipidemia.

Association of clinical variables and thyroid-stimulating hormone with psychotic symptoms in patients with first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder with elevated fasting blood glucose: preliminary exploratory study with a large sample

BACKGROUND

Psychotic symptoms and elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) are frequently observed in people with major depressive disorder (MDD), but there is a lack of research into this relationship within this cohort.

AIMS

This study aimed to preliminarily explore the prevalence of psychotic symptoms and their predictors among patients with MDD and elevated FBG.

METHOD

This study enrolled 1718 patients with first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD. Sociodemographic data and physical and biochemical indicators were collected. Clinical symptoms were assessed with tools such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive subscale.

RESULTS

The odds ratio for psychotic symptoms in those with MDD and elevated FBG (18.7%) was 2.33 times higher than those with MDD without elevated FBG. Presence of psychotic symptoms was significantly correlated with HRSD score, suicide attempts, and total cholesterol and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The combination of HRSD score, suicide attempts and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels among patients with MDD and elevated FBG effectively distinguished between individuals with and without psychotic symptoms, achieving an area under the curve of 0.87.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotic symptoms are frequently observed among FEDN MDD patients with elevated FBG, and depressive symptoms, suicide attempts and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are related to psychotic symptoms in this cohort.

Gender differences in prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome in first-treatment and drug-naïve schizophrenia patients

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndromes (MetS) are clinical syndromes involving multiple pathological states with distinct gender-specific clinical patterns. As a serious disorder associated with psychiatric conditions, the prevalence of MetS is significantly higher in the population with schizophrenia (Sch). The aim of this paper is to report gender differences in the prevalence, associated factors and severity-related factors of MetS in first-treatment and drug-naïve (FTDN) patients with Sch.

METHODS

A total of 668 patients with FTDN Sch were included in this study. We collected socio-demographic and general clinical information on the target population, measured and evaluated common metabolic parameters and routine biochemical indicators, and assessed the severity of psychiatric symptoms using Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS).

RESULTS

In the target group, the prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in women (13.44%, 57/424) than in men (6.56%, 16/244). In the males, waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and triglycerides (TG) were risk factors for MetS, while systolic blood pressure (SBP), TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and platelet (PLT) were risk factors for the females. More importantly, for the females, we found that age, LDL-C, PANSS scores and blood creatinine (CRE) were risk factors for higher MetS scores, while onset age and hemoglobin (HGB) were protective factors.

CONCLUSION

There are significant gender differences in the prevalence of MetS and its factors among patients with FTDN Sch. The prevalence of MetS is higher and the factors that influence MetS are more numerous and extensive in females. The mechanisms of this difference need further research and clinical intervention strategies should be formulated with gender differences.

Sex differences in the prevalence and clinical correlates of diabetes in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia

Sex differences have been noted in schizophrenia (SCZ) and diabetes mellitus (DM); however, the effect of sex on SCZ patients with DM remains unknown. We aimed to investigate sex differences in the prevalence, demographic and clinical correlates of DM in Chinese patients with chronic SCZ. A total of 988 Han Chinese SCZ patients (male/female: 638/350) were recruited from two psychiatric hospitals in China. We used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to evaluate the psychopathological symptoms of the patients. In addition, serum glucose and lipid levels were assayed. The prevalence of DM in female patients (57/350, 16.29%) was higher than that in male patients (79/638, 12.38%). Binary logistic regression analyses confirmed that the prevalence of DM in female patients was higher than that in male patients (P < 0.001, OR = 4.62, 95% CI = 2.11-10.11). Moreover, female patients had significantly higher positive symptoms than male patients (P = 0.003, OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03-1.14). Further, higher body mass index (BMI) and higher triglyceride (TG) were significantly associated with DM in men (both P < 0.05). Decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly associated with DM in both male and female patients (both P < 0.01). Comorbid DM is more common in female SCZ patients, and there are sex-specific correlates of DM in SCZ.

Risk factors for metabolic syndrome in individuals with recent-onset psychosis at disease onset and after 1-year follow-up

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of parameters encompassing the most dangerous heart attack risk factors, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is highly prevalent in recent-onset psychosis (ROP) patients. In this pilot study, we evaluated MetS parameters (fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-c), fasting triglycerides, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure), clinical symptoms, pharmacological treatment, lifestyle, and inflammatory markers in 69 patients with ROP and 61 healthy controls (HCs). At baseline, waist circumference (p = 0.005) and fasting triglycerides (p = 0.007) were higher in patients with ROP than in HCs. At the 1-year follow-up, patients showed clinical improvement, with a reduction in the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) score (p < 0.001), dietary intake (p = 0.001), and antipsychotic medication dose (p < 0.001); however, fasting glucose (p = 0.011), HDL-c (p = 0.013) and waist circumference worsened (p < 0.001). We identified sex, age, BMI, dietary intake, physical activity, daily tobacco use, daily cannabis use, and antipsychotic doses as risk factors contributing to baseline MetS parameters. After 1-year follow-up, those factors plus the PANSS and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) scores were associated with MetS parameters. Further studies are needed to understand the contributions of the studied risk factors in patients with ROP at onset and during disease progression.

Metabolic syndrome following a first episode of psychosis: results of a 1-year longitudinal study conducted in metropolitan Lisbon, Portugal

Objective

We aimed to assess the prevalence and course of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the associated metabolic parameters during the year following a first episode pf psychosis (FEP).

Methods

We performed a 1-year longitudinal observation of 60 patients who experienced FEP. MetS was defined using the modified definition of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. We assessed the metabolic parameters and socio-demographic and psychopathological data for the participants.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 27.1 years, and 33.3% of them were women. There was an increase in the prevalence of MetS from 6.7% to 11.7% during the year following the baseline assessment during the year following the baseline assessment (p = 0.250). There were also significant increases in the prevalences of abnormal triglyceride concentration, waist circumference, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentration during this period. In addition, there was a considerable worsening of the metabolic profile of the participants. No baseline parameters were identified to be predictors of MetS over the 1-year follow-up period.

Conclusions

We can conclude that metabolic abnormalities are common in patients with FEP and that these rapidly worsen during the first year following the diagnosis of FEP. Studies on interventions are needed to reduce metabolic risk to cardiovascular diseases following the FEP.

Stratification by Sex and Hormone Level When Contrasting Men and Women in Schizophrenia Trials Will Improve Personalized Treatment

BACKGROUND

Sex and gender differences have been reported in the prevalence, expression, treatment response, and outcome of schizophrenia, but most reports are based on relatively small samples that have not been stratified for the impact of sex hormone levels. This literature review aims to show how women's hormone levels can impact the results of male/female comparisons.

METHODS

This is a narrative review of data from publications of the last decade.

RESULTS

Epidemiologic evidence, reports of the impact of hormones on cognition, results of sexually dimorphic responses to treatment, and male/female trajectories of illness over time all suggest that female hormone fluctuations exert major effects on male/female differences in schizophrenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Information on hormonal status in women participants is rarely available in clinical studies in schizophrenia, which makes male/female comparisons largely uninterpretable. These are the current challenges. Opportunities for individualized treatment are growing, however, and will undoubtedly result in improved outcomes for both women and men in the future.

Sex-specific Association of Antipsychotic-induced Weight Gain and Treatment Response for Antipsychotic-Naive First Episode Schizophrenia Patients: A Prospective 8-week Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with antipsychotic-naïve first-episode (ANFE) schizophrenia (SZ) can help clarify many confounding factors in determining sex differences in antipsychotic drug induced weight gain and its association with symptom improvement.

METHODS

This 8-week longitudinal trial of ANFE patients with SZ enrolled 526 patients and 313 healthy controls. We evaluated bodyweight and the efficacy of antipsychotics on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and at the end of week 8.

RESULTS

Males and females after treatment showed no sex difference in weight gain, BMI increase, and percentage of weight gain. However, at baseline, male patients had more positive symptoms than female patients, and decreases in positive symptoms, general psychopathology, and total PANSS scores were less in male than female patients. Adjusting for confounding factors using multiple linear regression confirmed that weight gain was significantly associated with these decreases in PANSS symptoms only in men not women.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between weight gain and symptom reduction after 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment exists only in male patients with ANFE SZ and not in female patients.

Sex differences in metabolic disorder patterns of first-episode drug-naive patients with schizophrenia

Although metabolic disorders are common in schizophrenia, few studies investigated sex differences in metabolic disorder. This study aimed to examine the sex differences in the clinical correlates of metabolic disorders and MetS in patients with first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia. A total of 257 FEDN schizophrenia patients and 118 controls were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood samples were drawn to detect triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was applied to assess the clinical symptoms. There was sex difference in the prevalence of high BMI and dyslipidemia of schizophrenia patients. Female patients had lower prevalence of high BMI (p = 0.03) and hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.006), but had higher prevalence of hypo-HDLC (p = 0.005), compared with male patients. Further, there were sex differences in the relationship between metabolic parameters and psychopathological dimensions. In male patients, WC was associated with positive symptoms and negative symptoms (r = 0.26, p _Bonferroni = 0.02; r = 0.26, p _Bonferroni = 0.02). In female patients, BMI (r = 0.26, p _Bonferroni = 0.01), WC (r = 0.30, p _Bonferroni = 0.004) and HAb1c were associated with positive symptoms (r = 0.27, p _Bonferroni = 0.008). Insulin (r = 0.24, p _Bonferroni = 0.02; r = 0.23, p _Bonferroni = 0.04) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.29, p _Bonferroni = 0.004; r = 0.25, p _Bonferroni = 0.02) were associated with positive symptoms and general psychopathology symptoms. The contribution of clinical and metabolic components to MetS was almost same between male and female patients. Our study demonstrates sex difference in metabolic disorder patterns in schizophrenia patients.

The Association between Lifestyle Choices and Schizophrenia Symptoms

Due to poor eating habits, insufficient physical activity, and nicotine use, schizophrenia patients are at increased risk of lifestyle diseases. Factors contributing to unhealthy behaviors include lower socioeconomic status and level of education as well as social isolation. Schizophrenia manifestations such as amotivation, apathy, and cognitive deficits can further hinder development of proper health habits. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association between lifestyle-related choices and schizophrenia symptoms severity. This observational study enrolled 106 patients with schizophrenia (42 Males/64 Females), 18–69 years (mean: 41.89 ± 9.7 years). Mean duration of schizophrenia was 14.61 ± 9.7 years. Multiple significant correlations were found between patients’ lifestyle and their biochemical laboratory parameters (lipid profile and fasting glucose). Most importantly, a significant link emerged between presented habits and schizophrenia symptom severity. There were also significant gender differences in the intake of sweets and sweet beverages. Quite unexpectedly, a behavioral shift towards more healthy lifestyle choices was observed after completion of questionnaires on lifestyle and health habits. There are clear benefits to systematic provision of educational interventions concerning physical activity and proper eating habits to schizophrenia patients. These simple preventive measures could significantly improve both mental and physical health outcomes in schizophrenia patient populations.

Sex-Specific Effect of Serum Lipids and Body Mass Index on Psychotic Symptoms, a Cross-Sectional Study of First-Episode Psychosis Patients

Background: Schizophrenia is a disorder with considerable heterogeneity in course and outcomes, which is in part related to the patients' sex. Studies report a link between serum lipids, body mass index (BMI), and therapeutic response. However, the role of sex in these relationships is poorly understood. In a cross-sectional sample of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients, we investigated if the relationship between serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides), BMI, and symptoms differs between the sexes. Methods: We included 435 FEP patients (males: N = 283, 65%) from the ongoing Thematically Organized Psychosis (TOP) study. Data on clinical status, antipsychotics, lifestyle, serum lipid levels, and BMI were obtained. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) were used to assess psychotic and depressive symptoms. General linear models were employed to examine the relationship between metabolic variables and symptomatology. Results: We observed a female-specific association between serum HDL-C levels and negative symptoms (B = -2.24, p = 0.03) and between triglycerides levels (B = 1.48, p = 0.04) and BMI (B = 0.27, p = 0.001) with depressive symptoms. When controlling for BMI, only the association between serum HDL-C levels and negative symptoms remained significant. Moreover, the HDL-C and BMI associations remained significant after controlling for demography, lifestyle, and illness-related factors. Conclusion: We found a relationship between metabolic factors and psychiatric symptoms in FEP patients that was sex-dependent.

The Candidate Schizophrenia Risk Gene Tmem108 Regulates Glucose Metabolism Homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disease affected by genetic factors and environmental contributors, and premorbid abnormality of glucose metabolism is one of the SCZ characteristics supposed to contribute to the disease's pathological process. Transmembrane protein 108 (Tmem108) is a susceptible gene associated with multiple psychiatric diseases, including SCZ. Moreover, Tmem108 mutant mice exhibit SCZ-like behaviors in the measurement of sensorimotor gating. However, it is unknown whether Tmem108 regulates glucose metabolism homeostasis while it involves SCZ pathophysiological process.

RESULTS

In this research, we found that Tmem108 mutant mice exhibited glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and disturbed metabolic homeostasis. Food and oxygen consumption decreased, and urine production increased, accompanied by weak fatigue resistance in the mutant mice. Simultaneously, the glucose metabolic pathway was enhanced, and lipid metabolism decreased in the mutant mice, consistent with the elevated respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Furthermore, metformin attenuated plasma glucose levels and improved sensorimotor gating in Tmem108 mutant mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemia occurs more often in SCZ patients than in control, implying that these two diseases share common biological mechanisms, here we demonstrate that the Tmem108 mutant may represent such a comorbid mechanism.

Unveiling the Metabolic Profile of First-Episode Drug-Naïve Schizophrenia Patients: Baseline Characteristics of a Longitudinal Study Among Han Chinese

Objective: Metabolic and other medical conditions are frequently comorbid with schizophrenia. As they might be the side-effects of antipsychotic treatment, studying first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia (FDSZ) provides a unique opportunity to investigate a direct pathogenic link between metabolic changes and schizophrenia. Here, we presented the methods and baseline unique metabolic profile of FDSZ patients without medical comorbidities unveiling subthreshold indices of metabolic disturbances. Method: Drug-naïve individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia but without any previous medical conditions were invited to participate in the study. Participants were submitted to structured psychiatric and cognitive assessments, laboratory and neuroimaging tests. Subjects will be followed after antipsychotic treatment at 6, 24 and 48 weeks. Results: During an 8-month-period, out of 103 patients presenting with first episode psychosis, 67 subjects (43.3% men, 56.7% women) were enrolled in the study. They had a mean ± SD age of 32.1 ± 8.7 years, with a mean BMI of 21.1 kg/m² and 11.3 ± 3.6 years of schooling. Less than 1/3 reported a family history of mental illness. Upon laboratory assessment, 10.4%, 7.5%, and 11.9% of patients were identified with hyperhomocysteinemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperprolactinemia, respectively, with percentages of women relatively higher than men except for hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusions: First episode schizophrenia patients, especially women, present subclinical metabolic abnormalities, independent of antipsychotic treatment.

Gender differences in metabolic syndrome risk factors among patients with serious mental illness

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components continue to increase among patients with serious mental illness. This cross-sectional study investigated whether metabolic syndrome prevalence and risk factors differ between male and female patients with serious mental illness. In total, 260 eligible patients were recruited from two hospitals. The data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviour factors, biochemistry, and anthropometry were collected. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regression. Metabolic syndrome prevalence was 40.8% (35.1% in men and 46.8% in women). Among patients aged 40-49 years, metabolic syndrome prevalence was higher in men; however, the trend was reversed among patients aged 50 years or older. Notably, gender-specific metabolic syndrome risk factors were observed. In men, they included low education level, high body mass index (BMI), prolonged illness, comorbid physical illness, and diagnosis of bipolar disorder, whereas they included being married, old age, and high BMI in women. Our findings suggest that mental health professionals should consider the gender- and age-based metabolic syndrome prevalence trend in patients with serious mental illness when designing interventions for the study population to minimize metabolic syndrome prevalence.

The prevalence, risk factors and clinical correlates of diabetes mellitus in Chinese patients with schizophrenia

Diabetes is one of the most common comorbid diseases in patients with schizophrenia. The present study examined the prevalence of diabetes and its clinical correlates in a large sample of Chinese patients with schizophrenia, which has not been examined systemically. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1189 patients (males/females = 938/251; average age: 48.51 ± 10.09 years) were recruited. Fasting blood samples were collected to diagnose diabetes. Psychiatric symptoms were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The prevalence of diabetes was 12.53% with a significant gender difference (males: 10.87% versus females: 18.73%). Compared to patients without diabetes, those with diabetes were older, had a later age of onset, had a higher BMI, had higher positive symptom scores and had higher level of metabolic indices, including triglyceride, cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. After stepwise binary logistic regression analysis, age, BMI, and triglyceride level remained significantly associated with diabetes. This study suggests that diabetes occur with high prevalence in Chinese schizophrenia patients. In addition, age, BMI, and triglyceride level possibly are useful markers predicting an increased risk for diabetes.

Glucose metabolism dysregulation at the onset of mental illness is not limited to first episode psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To compare the differences of glucose metabolism outcomes between treatment-naïve, patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) and mood disorders.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of glucose intolerance in treatment-naïve, first episode patients with severe mental illnesses (SMIs).

RESULTS

We identified 31 eligible studies. Compared to healthy controls, FEP group have higher insulin and insulin resistance levels, and both groups have higher glucose tolerance test results. No significant differences were found in glucose metabolism outcomes between FEP and mood disorder groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight impaired glucose metabolism at the onset of SMIs, suggesting both patients with psychosis and mood disorders are high-risk groups for diabetes development.

Appetite regulating hormones in first-episode psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of appetite regulating hormones in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models with Hedges' g as the effect size estimate. We identified 31 eligible studies, investigating the levels of 7 appetite regulating hormones (adiponectin, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, orexin, resistin and visfatin) in 1792 FEP patients and 1364 controls. The insulin levels in FEP patients were higher than in controls (g = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.19 - 0.49, p < 0.001), even considering only antipsychotic-naïve patients (g = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.12 - 0.66, p = 0.005). The severity of negative symptoms was positively associated with the effect size estimates (β = 0.08, 95%CI: 0.01 - 0.16, p = 0.030). Moreover, we found lower levels of leptin in antipsychotic-naïve FEP patients (g = -0.62, 95%CI: -1.11 - 0.12, p = 0.015). Impaired appetite regulation, in terms of elevated insulin levels and decreased leptin levels, occurs in early psychosis, before antipsychotic treatment. Hyperinsulinemia might be related to negative symptoms.

Association between IL-6 and metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia patients treated with second-generation antipsychotics

OBJECTIVE

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have a high risk of causing metabolic syndrome (MetS). There is accumulating evidence supporting the fact that the activation of inflammatory pathway contributes to the development of MetS and further aggravates cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6), cognitive function, and MetS in schizophrenia patients treated with SGAs.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy-four patients with schizophrenia using SGAs were divided into MetS and non-MetS group, based on the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Cognitive function was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). A total of 138 patients and 29 healthy controls were examined in the plasma IL-6 levels.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MetS in schizophrenia patients treated with SGAs was 33% in this study. There were no significant differences in cognitive functions (both RBANS total score and subscale score) between MetS and non-Mets patients (P>0.05). Patients with MetS had higher plasma levels of IL-6 compared to non-MetS patients (P=0.019). However, such difference was only found in male patients (male: P=0.012; female: P=0.513). The partial correlational analysis further showed that IL-6 levels were notably negative related to the HDL levels in male schizophrenia patients after age, years of education, body mass index (BMI), age of onset, total disease course, and equal dose of olanzapine were controlled (male: P=0.009; female: P=0.450). In addition, the multiple regression analysis (stepwise model) performed in the male patient subgroup showed that IL-6 (beta =-0.283, t=-2.492, P=0.015) was an independent contributor to the HDL levels. However, the IL-6 was not an independent contributor to the HDL levels in female patients.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide evidence suggesting that the immune-inflammatory effect of IL-6 on SGAs-induced MetS may be in a gender manner.

Cholesterol and triglyceride levels in first-episode psychosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe extent of metabolic and lipid changes in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is unclear.AimsTo investigate whether individuals with FEP and no or minimal antipsychotic exposure show lipid and adipocytokine abnormalities compared with healthy controls.MethodWe conducted a meta-analysis of studies examining lipid and adipocytokine parameters in individuals with FEP and no or minimal antipsychotic exposure v. a healthy control group. Studies reported fasting total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and leptin levels.ResultsOf 2070 citations retrieved, 20 case-control studies met inclusion criteria including 1167 patients and 1184 controls. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in patients v. controls, corresponding to an absolute reduction of 0.26 mmol/L and 0.15 mmol/L respectively. Triglyceride levels were significantly increased in the patient group, corresponding to an absolute increase of 0.08 mmol/L. However, HDL cholesterol and leptin levels were not altered in patients v. controls.ConclusionsTotal and LDL cholesterol levels are reduced in FEP, indicating that hypercholesterolaemia in patients with chronic disorder is secondary and potentially modifiable. In contrast, triglycerides are elevated in FEP. Hypertriglyceridaemia is a feature of type 2 diabetes mellitus, therefore this finding adds to the evidence for glucose dysregulation in this cohort. These findings support early intervention targeting nutrition, physical activity and appropriate antipsychotic prescription.