Deakin University
Browse

Neurobiology of schizophrenia spectrum disorders: The role of oxidative stress

journal contribution
posted on 2009-05-01, 00:00 authored by S Wood, M Yucel, C Pantelis, Michael BerkMichael Berk
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The brain is the body's highest energy consumer, and the glutathione system is the brain's dominant free radical scavenger. In the current paper, we review the evidence of central and peripheral nervous system anomalies in the oxidative defences of individuals with schizophrenia, principally involving the glutathione system. This is reflected by evidence of the manifold consequences of oxidative stress that include lipid peroxidation, protein carboxylation, DNA damage and apoptosis - all potentially part of the process of neuroprogression in the disorder. Importantly, oxidative stress is amenable to intervention. We consider the clinical potential of some possible interventions that help reduce oxidative stress, via augmentation of the glutathione system, particularly N-acetyl cysteine. We argue that a better understanding of the mechanisms and pathways underlying oxidative stress will assist in developing the therapeutic potential of this area.

History

Journal

Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore

Volume

38

Pagination

396-401

Location

Singapore

ISSN

0304-4602

eISSN

2972-4066

Language

eng

Publication classification

C4.1 Letter or note

Copyright notice

2009, Academy of Medicine Singapore

Issue

5

Publisher

Academy of Medicine Singapore