Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that causes significant disturbances in thought processes, emotional states, and motor functionalities, leading to a decline in personal, social, and occupational functioning. Recently, a pilot study conducted by the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) and Jeevan Stem Cell Foundation, Chennai has brought forth significant findings regarding the association of specific alleles with schizophrenia among people of specific ethnicity.
Understanding Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a debilitating disorder that typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. It imposes tremendous social and psychological costs on both the patients and their families. The symptoms of this disorder are categorized into positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and psychomotor symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, disorganised thinking and speech, heightened perception, hallucinations, and inappropriate affects. Negative symptoms encompass poverty of speech, blunted and flat affect, loss of volition, and social withdrawal. Psychomotor symptoms involve less spontaneous moves or making odd grimaces and gestures.
The Cause of Schizophrenia
The cause of schizophrenia remains unknown; however, research studies across varied ethnicities worldwide have shown associations with different alleles tied to the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). HLA genes play a crucial role in our immune system and reside on chromosome six. These genes vary extremely in humans, and the specific allele linked to schizophrenia differs from one group to another.
Treatment Approaches
Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, therapy and support can help individuals manage the disorder. By learning social skills, coping strategies for stress, and identifying early warning signs of relapse, individuals can prolong periods of remission.
Discoveries from the Recent Study
This recent research underlines the significance of the HLA genes in proper immune function. Variations in these genes can lead to immunological abnormalities and even trigger schizophrenia in some cases. The study has found a higher frequency of HLA class I alleles among individuals with schizophrenia, indicating a susceptibility to the disorder. Conversely, some alleles, found at lower frequencies among individuals with schizophrenia, could potentially offer protection against the disorder.
Amino Acid Levels in HLA Molecules
This study is ground-breaking as it was the first to examine the amino acid levels in HLA molecules in schizophrenia patients. The results suggest that the onset of schizophrenia could be linked to the selection and ‘memory’ of past selection pressures, such as infections.
Challenges Faced in Research
The presence of different alleles is not an issue in itself, but identifying the specific allele causing schizophrenia poses a significant challenge. Prior studies have indicated that different alleles may play a role in different ethnic groups, making this a global health concern requiring further extensive research.