[Correlation between serum levels of homocysteine and folate and cognitive dysfunction in first-episode schizophrenics].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the correlation between serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and folate and cognitive function in first-episode drug-naїve schizophrenics.


METHODS
A total of 60 first-episode schizophrenics (schizophrenia group) from our hospital and 60 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled.Serum levels of folate and Hcy were measured with electrochemical luminescence method and enzymatic cycling assay respectively. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the mental symptoms and Matrics Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was used to evaluate the cognitive function.


RESULTS
Serum level of folate in schizophrenia group (4.1 ± 1.9 ng/ml) was lower than that in control group (7.5 ± 1.9 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). And serum level of Hcy in schizophrenia group (27 ± 9 µmol/L) was significantly higher than that in control group (18 ± 6 µmol/L) (P = 0.006). Serum level of folate in schizophrenia group had negative correlations with Hcy level (r = -0.38, P = 0.002) and negative symptoms (r = -0.25, P < 0.05) while Hcy level was negatively correlated with cognitive function scores (r = -0.38, r = -0.33, r = -0.30, r = -0.30, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Serum level of folate decreases while serum level of Hcy increases in first-episode schizophrenics. Both have some relevance with mental symptom and cognitive dysfunction.
Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
Xumei
X
Chen
Qiyue
Q
Zhu
Wei
W
Zhang
Xue
X
Li
Yihui
Y
Hao
Youhui
Y
Li
Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453002, China. Email: lvluxian@126.com.
Luxian
L
Lü
Email:sxqzhll@126.com.
Xueqin
X
Song
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003072:Cognition Disorders; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12