Publication:

Study of nonenzymatic antioxidants in schizophrenic patients

Background Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating psychiatric disorders. There is now substantial evidence of increased free radical–mediated damage in schizophrenia. These mechanisms are critical role in etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. The potential toxicity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is counteracted by a large number of cytoprotective enzymes and nonenzymatic anti-oxidants. Endogenous substances like albumin, bilirubin and uric acid play very important defensive role against reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in our body. The present study was undertaken to study nonenzymatic antioxidants i.e. serum albumin, bilirubin and uric acid in first episode and chronic schizophrenic patients.

Methods 50 patients of first episode schizophrenia and 50 patients of chronic schizophrenia were included in the study. 50 numbers of age and sex matched healthy and apparently normal controls were also selected for study. Blood samples were drawn and analysed for albumin, bilirubin and uric acid from all participants.

Results The study shows significant decrease in serum albumin, bilirubin and uric acid levels in both first episode schizophrenics and chronic schizophrenic patients as compared to controls. When we compared levels of these parameters in first episode schizophrenics and chronic schizophrenics, we did not find significant difference.

Conclusions Findings in our study is suggesting that decrease in the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants occurs in attempting neutralization of ROS in schizophrenics. This study supports the defensive role of nonenzymatic antioxidants against ROS in our body.