Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders: Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
Henry A. Nasrallah, MD, Saint Louis University
Evidence suggests that inflammation is one of the earliest stages of the schizophrenia syndrome and could be through infections during pregnancy, head injury, stress response, or autoimmune disorders. Stress will activate microglia, which are the resident macrophages of the brain and players in innate immunity, and prompt these cells them to release cytokines and free radicals, which lead to neurodegeneration, decreased neurogenesis, and white matter abnormalities. Schizophrenia is associated with increased microglia activation. Clozapine protects neurons from inflammation by inhibiting microglial overactivation. Adjunctive anti-inflammatory drugs or omega-3 fatty acids could enhance the efficacy of antipsychotics or prevent conversion to psychosis in individuals at risk.
