Impaired plasmalogens in patients with schizophrenia

Multiple plasma phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen levels were significantly lower in first episode patients and patients with recurrent disease compared to healthy controls. Reduced plasmalogen levels appear to be a trait evident at the onset of psychotic illness and after multiple psychotic relapses. It is implied that reductions in plasmalogen levels are not related to antipsychotic treatment but due to the illness itself. Reduced plasmalogen levels suggest impairments in membrane structure and function in patients with schizophrenia that might happen early in development. This may serve as a clue to the neurobiology of schizophrenia and should be studied as a potential biomarker for individuals at risk for schizophrenia.