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Researchers release new data on schizophrenia immunology

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  • Researchers release new data on schizophrenia immunology

    Mental Health Weekly Digest
    May 5, 2008



    SCHIZOPHRENIA IMMUNOLOGY;
    Researchers at Institute of Molecular Biology release new data on
    schizophrenia immunology


    Scientists discuss in 'Cryoglobulins as indicators of upregulated
    immune response in schizophrenia' new findings in schizophrenia. "In
    the present work the concentration of abnormal immune complexes,
    cryoglobulins (Cgs), in the blood of schizophrenic patients was
    determined, and immunochemical composition of these complexes was
    studied. Eighty multiple-episode schizophrenia-affected subjects (55
    medicated, 25 drug-free) and 40 healthy controls were involved in the
    study," investigators in Yerevan, Armenia report (see also
    Schizophrenia Immunology).

    "Cgs were isolated by exposure of blood serum samples to precipitation
    at low temperature followed by extensive washings of Cg-enriched
    pellets. The immunochemical composition of Cgs was analyzed using
    different electrophoretic and immunoblotting systems. Significantly
    increased blood serum levels of type III Cgs were detected in all
    schizophrenia-affected subjects, as compared to controls. We also
    revealed the presence of C1q and C3 complement proteins and their
    activation products in Cgs isolated from the blood of schizophrenic
    patients," wrote A. Boyajyan and colleagues, Institute of Molecular
    Biology.

    The researchers concluded: "The results of the present study suggest
    that Cgs are involved in schizophrenia-associated upregulated immune
    response by binding the complement proteins, activating the complement
    cascade and triggering aberrant apoptosis."

    Boyajyan and colleagues published their study in Clinical Biochemistry
    (Cryoglobulins as indicators of upregulated immune response in
    schizophrenia. Clinical Biochemistry, 2008;41(6):355-60).

    For additional information, contact A. Boyajyan, Institute of
    Molecular Biology NAS RA, 7 Hasratyan St., 0014 Yerevan, Armenia.

    The publisher of the journal Clinical Biochemistry can be contacted
    at: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane,
    Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

    Keywords: Armenia, Yerevan, Schizophrenia Immunology, Biochemistry,
    Immunology, Psychiatry, Schizophrenia.

    This article was prepared by Mental Health Weekly Digest editors from
    staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Mental Health Weekly Digest
    via NewsRx.com.
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