Changes in high-density lipoprotein and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in medicated schizophrenic patients and healthy controls.

Background: This study intended to simultaneously investigate the relationships between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in medicated schizophrenic patients vs healthy controls. Methods: During a 1-year period, we recruited 37 medicated schizophrenic patients and 30 healthy controls. Metabolic syndrome-related biomarkers including insulin and lipid profiles were enzymatically determined. Results: An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with BMI adjustment revealed that the patients had significantly lower HDL levels than the healthy controls (p = 0.017). ANCOVA with age adjustment revealed that the patients had significantly higher fasting insulin levels than the healthy controls (p = 0.034). In addition, in comparison with the healthy controls, the patients had higher mean serum levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol as well as higher HOMA-IR values. However, there were no significant differences in any marker in the ANCOVA analysis after adjustment for age or BMI. Conclusion: We found lower HDL and higher insulin levels in medicated schizophrenic patients than in healthy controls. (Chang Gung Med J 2010;33:613-8)