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.