Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid concentrations in red blood cell membranes relate to schizotypal traits in healthy adults.
Reduced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in red blood cell (RBC) membranes are often found in patients with schizophrenia. Here we investigated whether membrane concentrations of these fatty acids might vary as a function of schizotypal traits in non-psychotic individuals. Twenty-five healthy adults completed the O-LIFE schizotypal trait inventory and fatty acid composition of their venous blood samples was analysed via gas-liquid chromatography. Correlations between schizotypy measures and RBC fatty acids were examined and comparisons made between groups high and low on fatty acid measures and schizotypy scores. The omega-6 fatty acids arachidonic, adrenic and docosapentaenoic acid were directly related to positive schizotypal trait measures, as were most omega-3 fatty acids, but none were related to a negative, withdrawn form of schizotypy. Our findings of high RBC concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in healthy adults with positive schizotypal traits clearly contrast with the low levels often found in schizophrenia, but are quite consistent with evidence that omega-3 fatty acids (notably EPA) can be useful in the treatment of schizophrenic illness.
Richardson
A J
AJ
University Laboratory of Physiology, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK. alex.richardson@physiol.ox.ac.uk
Cyhlarova
E
E
Ross
M A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000097:blood; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000097:blood*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008041:Linoleic Acids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D016718:Arachidonic Acid