Disturbances of Kynurenine Pathway of Trytophan Metabolism in Schizophrenia: A Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Study

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

60 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2006-01-31

Study Completion Date

2009-05-31

Brief Summary

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In this pilot study, the investigators propose to characterize the pattern of activation of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in peripheral macrophages of patients with schizophrenia. To do this, the investigators will measure the gene expression of several major enzymes in this pathway in macrophages, including the key enzyme involved in tryptophan to kynurenine metabolism, IDO, by means of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The focus on enzyme mRNA expression as opposed to serum or cerebrospinal fluid levels of metabolites provides a possibly more sensitive characterization of the activation of this metabolic pathway.

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Detailed Description

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In this pilot study, we propose to characterize the pattern of activation of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in peripheral macrophages of patients with schizophrenia. To do this, we will measure the gene expression of several major enzymes in this pathway in macrophages, including the key enzyme involved in tryptophan to kynurenine metabolism, IDO, by means of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The focus on enzyme mRNA expression as opposed to serum or cerebrospinal fluid levels of metabolites provides a possibly more sensitive characterization of the activation of this metabolic pathway.

Primary hypotheses: We hypothesize that patients with schizophrenia will differ in their expression of macrophage IDO mRNA, reflecting activation of this pathway compared to normals. We further hypothesize that patients with deficit syndrome will have higher degrees of enzyme activation.

Secondary hypotheses: Serum tryptophan levels will be lower in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls, and they will correlate with measures of dysphoria. Serum kynurenine levels will be elevated in patients with schizophrenia, particularly in deficit syndrome patients. mRNA expression levels of enzymes downstream from IDO will differ between patients and controls. Measures of immune activation will be influenced by medical disease burden (medical comorbidities).

Conditions

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Schizophrenia

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

CASE_ONLY

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Patients

Phlebotomy

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Single blood draw

Healthy Controls

Phlebotomy

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Single blood draw

Interventions

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Phlebotomy

Single blood draw

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

1. Diagnosis of Schizophrenia, any subtype or schizoaffective disorder
2. Ages 18-65 years
3. Males or females
4. English speaking with ability to complete symptom ratings
5. Ability to provide informed consent

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

65 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes