The role of tumour necrosis factor alpha and soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha receptors in
the symptomatology of schizophrenia
Sammanfattning
Background Immunological mechanisms may be responsible for the development and
maintenance of schizophrenia symptoms. Aim The aim of this study is to measure tumour necrosis
factor-alpha (TNF-a), soluble tumour necrosis factor-alpha receptor I (sTNF-aRI), and soluble tumour
necrosis factor-alpha receptor II (sTNF-aRII) levels in patients with schizophrenia and healthy
individuals, and to determine their relationship with the symptoms of schizophrenia. Methods Serum
TNF-a, sTNF-aRI and sTNF-aRII levels were measured. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
(PANSS) was administered for patients with schizophrenia (n = 35), and the results were compared
with healthy controls (n = 30). Hierarchical regression analyses were undertaken to predict the levels
of TNF-a, sTNF-aRI and sTNF-aRII. Results No significant difference was observed in TNF-a levels,
but sTNF-aRI and sTNF-aRII levels were lower in patients with schizophrenia. Serum sTNF-aRI and
sTNF-aRII levels were found to be negatively correlated with the negative subscale score of the
PANSS, and sTNF-aRI levels were also negatively correlated with the total score of the PANSS.
Smoking, gender, body mass index were not correlated with TNF-a and sTNF-a receptor levels.
Conclusions These results suggest that there may be a change in anti-inflammatory response in
patients with schizophrenia due to sTNF-aRI and sTNF-aRII levels. The study also supports low
levels of TNF activity in schizophrenia patients with negative symptoms.