University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Mechanisms of involvement of Eicosanoids and their precursors in the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 20:24 authored by Schmidt, L, Ceglarek, U, Kortz, L, Hoop, M, Kenneth KirkbyKenneth Kirkby, Thiery, J, Himmerich, H

The pathophysiology of schizophrenia has not been fully elucidated but there are converging leads to understanding this complex psychiatric disorder. One family of molecules that may play a crucial role in the development of schizophrenia is the eicosanoids. Review of the literature on eicosanoids in patients with schizophrenia points to findings in three areas: precursor molecules such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and specifically arachidonic acid (AA), the actions of specific eicosanoids such as thromboxane A2 (TxA2), thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and enzymes with important functions in eicosanoid metabolism such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2).

It has also been found that classical as well as second generation antipsychotics, drugs used to treat schizophrenia, influence eicosanoid metabolism. For example, clozapine and its metabolite N-desmethylclozapine (NDMC) decreased TxB2 production in vitro.

Eicosanoids and the enzymes involved in their metabolism may provide novel future drug targets. Therapeutic response to COX-2 inhibitors has already been demonstrated in patients at an early stage of schizophrenia. COX-2 inhibitors may exert this therapeutic action through their effects in reducing PGE2, type-2 cytokine and kynurenic acid production and strengthening glutamatergic neurotransmission.

History

Publication title

Medicinal Chemistry

Volume

9

Issue

6

Pagination

763-73

ISSN

1573-4064

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Bentham Science Publishers Ltd

Place of publication

Netherlands

Rights statement

Copyright 2013 Bentham Science Publishers

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Mental health

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC