Status of plasma nitric oxide and non-enzymatic antioxidants before and after antipsychotic treatment in Nigerian patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: Recently, it is proposed that oxidant-antioxidant imbalance may have a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The present study was performed to assess differences in plasma levels of nitric oxide (as oxidant), caeruloplasmin (secondary antioxidant), and antioxidant trace metals (Zn, Se, Mn, Cu and Fe) in patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. Our secondary aim was to further evaluate the impact of psychopharmacologic treatment on these parameters. METHODS: Plasma levels of nitric oxides (NO), caeruloplasmin, zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) in patients with schizophrenia before (n = 15) and after antipsychotic drug treatment (n = 20) were compared with those of healthy controls (n = 20). Convenient sampling method was used for the selection of subjects. NO was estimated by the use of Griess method, caeruloplasmin was estimated by the use of immunodiffusion method and antioxidant trace metals was estimated by the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The levels of Cu and caeruloplasmin were not significantly different while Fe and Se were significantly reduced in both groups of schizophrenic patients compared with the controls. Zn was significantly elevated in medicated schizophrenics compared with drug-free patients or controls. NO was significantly elevated in drug free patients with schizophrenia compared with controls or treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the application of management strategies that will reduce NO but will increase antioxidant trace metals in patients with schizophrenia.