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The comparison of plasma zonulin levels between symptom exacerbation and treatment response periods in schizophrenia: a case-control study with follow-up

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 July 2023

O. Aydın*
Affiliation:
International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
T. Kocabaş
Affiliation:
Celal Bayar University, Manisa
A. Sarandöl
Affiliation:
Uludağ University, Bursa, Türkiye
A. Muştucu
Affiliation:
Uludağ University, Bursa, Türkiye
E. Onur
Affiliation:
Celal Bayar University, Manisa
A. Esen-Danacı
Affiliation:
Celal Bayar University, Manisa
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Plasma zonulin is acknowledged to be a biomarker for intestinal permeability. Previous studies have demonstrated significant relationships regarding potential effects of zonulin in several major psychiatric conditions including attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and depression, however its role in schizophrenia still remains unclear.

Objectives

We aimed to identify the alterations of plasma zonulin levels between the different periods of the illness and we strive to reveal the associations between plasma zonulin levels and symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Methods

30 patients with schizophrenia and 29 healthy controls participated in the study. Sociodemographic data form and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were administered. Blood sampling was performed for patients who are in exacerbation and following treatment response periods along with the healthy controls. ELISA method was utilized to measure plasma zonulin levels.

Results

The groups did not differ in plasma zonulin level comparisons. Plasma zonulin did not fluctuate between the symptom exacerbation and treatment response periods of the patients. Besides, plasma zonulin level was found to be associated with passive/apathetic social withdrawal, active social avoidance, and somatic concern items of the PANSS in a negative direction.

Conclusions

This is the first follow-up study in the literature that assesses plasma zonulin in patients with schizophrenia. The measurement of plasma zonulin may not be a convenient parameter in distinguishing symptom exacerbation and treatment response periods in chronic schizophrenia, nevertheless it may have implications on reduced social interaction and somatic symptoms. Our study can provide better insight for future studies to be more cautious while interpreting the associations of plasma zonulin levels with psychiatric disorders.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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