Correlation between serum levels of homocysteine and folate and cognitive dysfunction in first-episode schizophrenics

Abstract

To explore the correlation between serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and folate and cognitive function in first-episode drug-naїve schizophrenics. A total of 60 first-episode schizophrenics (schizophrenia group) from our hospital and 60 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled.Serum levels of folate and Hcy were measured with electrochemical luminescence method and enzymatic cycling assay respectively. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the mental symptoms and Matrics Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was used to evaluate the cognitive function. Serum level of folate in schizophrenia group (4.1 ± 1.9 ng/ml) was lower than that in control group (7.5 ± 1.9 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). And serum level of Hcy in schizophrenia group (27 ± 9 µmol/L) was significantly higher than that in control group (18 ± 6 µmol/L) (P = 0.006). Serum level of folate in schizophrenia group had negative correlations with Hcy level (r = -0.38, P = 0.002) and negative symptoms (r = -0.25, P < 0.05) while Hcy level was negatively correlated with cognitive function scores (r = -0.38, r = -0.33, r = -0.30, r = -0.30, P < 0.05). Serum level of folate decreases while serum level of Hcy increases in first-episode schizophrenics. Both have some relevance with mental symptom and cognitive dysfunction.