Inflammation in Schizophrenia? A review of alterations in patients

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a psychotic psychiatric disorder that significantly impacts the social life of the patient. A better understanding of pathogenesis of this disorder is of utmost importance to caregivers. Recent studies have shown evidence of inflammatory reactions involving the pathogenesis of Schizophrenia. Biochemical analysis of CSF has reported an increased count of IL-6 and IL-8 along with other inflammatory substances. Histopathological studies of brain of the affected individuals have presented microglial dysfunction along with several other changes, observed by different researchers. Also, mothers suffering from any particular condition that involved inflammation in the gestational period have been observed to lead to the development of Schizophrenia or related disorders in offspring. Gut-Brain Axis has recently acquired a huge interest among medical researchers. A lot of psychiatric conditions are nowadays being attributed to gut microbiota. Gut microbiota analysis among Schizophrenia patients has shown significant alteration of gut microflora, for example, an increased number of Lactobacillus sp. All these studies, when taken into consideration, can give a holistic approach towards the way the pathology of Schizophrenia being viewed, and thus allow professionals to provide better careto the patients.