Schizophrenia is linked to dyslipidemia with minimal alterations in the inflammatory biomarkers - an experience from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic mental illness that is associated with increased inflammation, adverse effects on the immune system, and abnormal concentrations of biochemical molecules. This study is the first to determine the concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and some  proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, the differential complete blood count (CBC), and the lipid profile in Saudi patients with SZ.<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>Blood samples were collected from 45 randomly chosen male in-patients with chronic SZ and 29 healthy males, with an age range of 28-47 years. The concentrations of CRP, IL-6, IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ; body mass index (BMI); CBC; and the lipid profile were determined through standard guidelines and compared between the patients and controls.<br /><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that there were no significant differences in the CRP and cytokines’ concentrations for the patients compared with those of the controls. Patients, however, had significantly higher red blood cell (RBC) distribution width. Additionally, patients had significantly lower BMI, basophil and RBC counts, basophil-lymphocyte and eosinophil-lymphocyte ratios, hemoglobin, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein concentrations.<br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, patients with SZ in local population showed slight inflammation and the immune system was minimally affected. Additionally, patients had dyslipidemia and were possibly more prone to anemia.</p>