Comparative Study of Complement Biomarkers in Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Dysregulation of the complement system in schizophrenia with increased activation of the classical complement pathway has been observer earlier. The present study was undertaken to find out the effects of dysregulation of complement factors in schizophrenic patients, for confirmation and making an early diagnosis for high-risk patients by analysing of the complement factors. Methodology: All patients aged 18-65 years who presented with schizophrenia were enrolled. A total of 80 blood samples were collected from three study groups. Diagnosis was made using the ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia. Participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria of ability to understand the nature of test and being drug naïve and willing to participate in the study were recruited after written consents from participants and their first degree relatives at Psychiatric Centre, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan (India). Results: This study observed a significantly lower mean value of C4 and CR1 in schizophrenic patients than control and significant dysregulation of various complement factors was seen with respect to certain sociodemographic profile. No significant dysregulation was observed in first degree relatives. Conclusion: The role of complement dysregulation in etio pathogenesis was found in the present study. This could be helpful in early diagnosis and identification of individuals at high risk of developing schizophrenia.

Keywords

• Biomarkers, Complement system, Dysregulation, Schizophrenia.