Trace Metals in Schizophrenia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Arinola Ganiyu, Idonije Blessing, Akinlade Kehinde, Ihenyen Olubisi
Primary Institution: University of Ibadan
Hypothesis
Nutritional deprivation and oxidative stress may affect trace metal levels in schizophrenic patients.
Conclusion
Certain essential trace metals were found to be reduced while heavy metals were elevated in schizophrenic patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Fe and Se levels were significantly reduced in both newly diagnosed and medicated schizophrenic patients compared to controls.
- Pb, Cd, and Cr levels were significantly raised in newly diagnosed drug-free schizophrenic patients compared to controls.
- Zn levels were significantly raised in medicated schizophrenic patients compared to drug-free patients or controls.
Takeaway
People with schizophrenia may have lower levels of important metals and higher levels of harmful metals in their bodies.
Methodology
Plasma levels of trace metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer in 35 schizophrenic patients and 20 healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of patients who cooperated during blood sample collection.
Limitations
Difficulty in collecting blood samples led to a low number of subjects.
Participant Demographics
Schizophrenic patients aged 18-50 years, including 20 on antipsychotic drugs and 15 newly diagnosed drug-free patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.00
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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