Hyperhomocysteinemia in chronic schizophrenia: prevalence, clinical correlates, and paradoxical associations with symptom severity.

Background: Elevated homocysteine levels, known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Most prior studies focused on first-episode or acute-phase schizophrenia patients, leaving the prevalence, determinants, and clinical correlates of HHcy in chronic schizophrenia understudied. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of HHcy in patients with chronic schizophrenia, as well as its clinical correlates. ​​METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 509 patients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia, recruited from multiple psychiatric hospitals in China. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews. Blood samples were analyzed for homocysteine levels and other biochemical parameters. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) were used to assess clinical symptoms and cognitive function. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of HHcy. RESULTS​​: ​​The prevalence of HHcy in the study population was 56.2%. Patients with HHcy were significantly older (mean age: 52.1 ± 12.2 years) and had a higher proportion of males (67.1%) compared to those without HHcy. The HHcy group exhibited milder positive and general psychopathology symptoms, as indicated by lower PANSS scores, revealing unexpected inverse associations with symptom severity. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), total bilirubin (TBIL), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) were observed in the HHcy group. Binary logistic regression analysis identified female gender and older age as independent predictors of HHcy.

Conclusions: ​​This study highlights a high prevalence of HHcy in patients with chronic schizophrenia, associated with older age and male gender. Contrary to expectations, HHcy was linked to milder symptom severity, suggesting a potential paradoxical relationship.