Johns Hopkins researchers say they have discovered a cause-and-effect relationship between two well-established biological risk factors for schizophrenia previously believed to be independent of one another.
The findings could eventually lead researchers to develop better drugs to treat the cognitive dysfunction associated with schizophrenia and possibly other mental illnesses.
Researchers have long studied the role played in the brain’s neurons by the Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene, a mutation with one of the strongest links to an increased risk of developing the debilitating psychiatric illness.
In a study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, the laboratory of Mikhail V. Pletnikov, M.D., Ph.D., in collaboration with the laboratory of Solomon H. Snyder, M.D., D.Sc., instead looked at the role the DISC1 gene plays in glia cells known as astrocytes, a kind of support cell in the brain that helps neurons communicate with one another.
“Abnormalities in glia cells could be as important as abnormalities in neuronal cells themselves,” says Pletnikov, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and the study’s leader. “Most gene work has been done with neurons. But we also need to understand a lot more about the role that genetic mutations in glia cells play because neuron-glia interaction appears crucial in ensuring the brain operates normally.”
Besides the paranoia and hallucinations that characterize the disease, schizophrenics have cognitive deficits, leaving them unable to think clearly or organize their thoughts and behavior.
Previous studies found that one of the roles of astrocytes is to secrete the neurotransmitter D-serine, which helps promote the transmission of glutamate in the brain, believed to be a key to cognitive function. Schizophrenics have decreased glutamate transmission. It appears, Pletnikov says, that people with DISC1 mutations associated with the psychiatric illness are faster to metabolize D-serine, which leads to a decrease in the apparently crucial transmitter.
In clinical trials, other researchers are trying to boost D-serine levels in people with schizophrenia to see if they can boost cognitive function.
In the new study, the Johns Hopkins researchers found that DISC1 is directly involved in regulating the production of D-serine by the enzyme known as serine racemase.
The researchers found that DISC1 normally binds to serine racemase and stabilizes it. The mutant DISC1 in patients with schizophrenia cannot bind with serine racemase, and instead destabilizes and destroys it. The result is a deficiency of D-serine.
The Hopkins researchers bred mice with the mutant DISC1 protein expressed only in astrocytes and, as predicted, the animals had decreased levels of D-serine. These mice also showed abnormal behavior “consistent with schizophrenia,” Pletnikov says. For example, the rodents showed sensitivity to psycho-stimulants that target glutamate transmission. By treating the mice with D-serine, the scientists were able to ameliorate the schizophrenic-like symptoms. Mice without the DISC1 mutation in astrocytes had normal D-serine levels.
Pletnikov says that in the future, researchers hope that they can target the unstable junction between the abnormal DISC1 and serine racemase. If drugs, for example, can be found to increase glutamate transmission in humans, doctors may be able to improve cognitive function in schizophrenics. He says a DISC1 mutation may also be an important risk factor in other psychiatric disorders.
“Abnormal glutamate transmission is believed to be present in patients with bipolar disorder, major depression and possibly anxiety disorders, so our findings could apply to other psychiatric diseases,” he says.
In guys, schizophrenia signs on average start in the adolescents or 20s.
In females, schizophrenia inicators on average starrt
inside the 20s orr early 30s. It’s exceptional for children to
be identified as having schizophrenia and exceptional for those avove the age of 45.
Schizophrenia is a brain dysfunction that affects the way a person believes, functions, and recognizes the world.
People with schizophrenia have a transformed understanding of reality, generally a substantial loss
of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that don’t
exist, converse in unusual or confusing ways, feel that others are attempting to damage them, or feel just like they’re being constantly watched.
With this kind of blurred line involving the real and the imaginary, schizophrenia
makes it difficult—even frightening—to negotiate those activities of lifestyle.
In result, people who have schizophrenia may withdraw
from your exterior world or work out in confusion and fear.
A good option for appropriate diagnosis of psychosis (hallucinations & delusions) and schizophrenia – have reached the increasing amount
of locations dedicated to early diagnosis and therapy of
psychosis and schizophrenia. See the following list to discover if there is one
within your area: Worldwide list of first psychosis/schizophrenia diagnosis
and cure hospitals.
Another solution to do look for a excellent doctor is to
talk to the additional users that already have
experience with the local psychiatrists, and contact a
local support group that bargains with mind disorders including schizophrenia.
If that’s not convenient, we recommend you
interact our dialogue parts (see ‘parents’ aarea or ‘Main Area’ listed on home
page) annd request there iff anyone mayy recommend a good
professional inside your area. Regional members might be in a posiion to advise a superb professional experienced in
schizophenia that they have worked with.
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Notkce our FAQ information, with areas on discovering and performing wiith a great psychiatrist.
As exploration andd anecdotal evidence both concur that a good patient-doctor romance might be essential for enhancing treament compliance, It is a vital
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Many cases of schizophrenia come in the late teens oor early
adulthood. Nevertheless, schizophrenia can appear for the first time
in middle-age as well as later. In exceptional circumstances, schizopgrenia may also affect
teens and small children, although the outward symptoms are slighhtly different.
Generally, the earlier schizophrenia evolves, the worse
it’s. Schizophrenia likewise is commonly more severe in males than in females.
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Though schizophrenia is really a serious condition,
there is support offered. With treatment, help, and remedy,
lots of people with schizophrenia live satisfying lives
and have the ability to operate independently. Nevertheless,
the perspective is better when schizophrenia is diagnosed
and handled instantly. If you spot the symptoms and symptoms of schizophrenia and seek help
straight away, you or your loved one may take advantage of the countless treatments available and improve the odds
of recovery.
Ask the NSA/CIA why they beam voices in your head and deny it. As if government will ever be honest enough for mental health. They let me down anyways.
There is a technology called “Synthetic Telepathy”, that mimics the symptoms of schizophrenia. The problem here is that it is a highly classified technology dealing with the Intelligence Community, ie; NSA/CIA. I think it is terrible that this technology is responsible for the epidemic of “voice hearing”. Psychologists are known to have knowledge of it it but rarely have the integrity to admit it. A true crime in my book. Aren’t doctors supposed to adhere to the oath of not intentionally doing harm? I don’t think so in this case. People should be ashamed of themselves! Very disappointing to say the least.