Oxidative stress biomarkers and clinical dimensions in first 10 years of schizophrenia

Abstract Introduction Several studies have described increased oxidative stress parameters in patients with schizophrenia. The objectives of the current study were to identify potential oxidative stress biomarkers in stable patients during first 10 years of schizophrenia and determine if they are associated with specific clinical dimensions. Material and methods Seventy-three clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia and 73 sex and age-matched healthy controls were recruited. Sociodemographic, clinical and biological data were collected at enrollment. Blood biomarkers included homocysteine, the percentage of hemolysis, lipid peroxidation subproducts, and as an antioxidant biomarker, catalase activity in erythrocytes. Results Comparative analyses after controlling for smoking and metabolic syndrome evidenced a significant increase in catalase activity in patients. Also, lower lipid peroxidation levels showed an association with negative symptoms. Conclusions In conclusion, compensatory antioxidant mechanisms might be increased in stable patients with schizophrenia at early stages. Furthermore, there may be an inverse relationship between oxidative stress and negative dimension.