Parameters of immunity and systemic inflammation in endogenous psychosis

Abstract

The aim of the work was to study the factors of natural and adaptive immunity and systemic inflammation in subacute stage of schizophrenia to clarify the role of these systems in the chronization of the disease. 31 patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia (SCI) with paranoid after 3-4 weeks of therapy were examined. The control group included 16 healthy volunteers. Markers of systemic inflammation and immunity, including key cytokines and lymphocyte subpopulations, were investigated. Increased levels of IgМ, C-reactive protein and cortisol in the blood were found in patients with SCI. Also in most cases the content of proinflammatory proteins IL-8, IL-6 and IL-10 was increased. The greatest increase in the levels of systemic inflammation and cytokines was found in patients with first psychotic episode. The content of HT was more often normal, but the level of NT-4 and nerve growth factor β (NGFβ) in most patients was positively associated with levels of IL-6. At low levels of BDNF a significant increase in levels of CIC, cortisol, IL-8, IL-6 and IL-10, but not Ig were found. Also, in patients with low BDNF symptoms of delusions prevailed, while in cases of normal or elevated BDNF (19 out of 24 cases), in addition to delusions, hallucinations were pronounced. Conclusion. It is believed that antipsychotic drugs reduce systemic inflammation and activity of the immune system. However, we have found signs of severe systemic inflammation, activation and dysfunction of the immune system in patients with SCI after 3-4 weeks of therapy. Preservation of immune disorders and systemic inflammation in patients with SCI despite clinical improvement can participate in the progression of the disease through neuroimmune interactions. Further studies of the trigger mechanisms of chronic immune activation are needed.

Basic Cognitive Architecture, Systemic Inflammation, and Immune Dysfunction in Schizophrenia

“…Prior to this study, we found no reports on multifactorial assessment of immunity mediators, systemic inflammation, and neurotrophic factors in patients with schizophrenia [1]. The authors of study [13] observed an increase in the serum level of neutrophil activation markers (leukocyte elastase, α1-proteinase inhibitor) in schizophrenia; the increase correlated with the severity of the clinical course.…”

“…Schizophrenia is a polymorphic mental disorder with characteristic impairments in thinking, perception and cognitive abilities: memory, attention, and executive functions. The socio-economic burden of schizophrenia stems from the high percentage of disability in the affected individuals of working age and the high costs of treatment and/or maintenance of patients [1].…”