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Disease susceptibility

Inflammatory Markers in Schizophrenia: A New Path to Diagnosis and Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has shed new light on the relationship between inflammatory markers and schizophrenia. Researchers from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, examined the role of inflammatory markers in perception disorders associated with major psychiatric pathology, including schizophrenia and acute psychotic disorder. The study analyzed a sample of 135 patients, finding elevated levels of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), C-reactive protein (CRP), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), suggesting persistent systemic inflammation in psychotic disorders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the role of inflammatory markers in perception disorders associated with major psychiatric pathology, including schizophrenia and acute psychotic disorder.
  • A sample of 135 patients (69 with schizophrenia and 66 with acute psychotic disorder) was analyzed, with demographic and clinical data, along with biological markers such as white blood cells, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), assessed.
  • Results indicated elevated median values for SII, CRP, and MLR, suggesting persistent systemic inflammation in psychotic disorders.
  • While acute psychotic disorders showed wider value ranges, schizophrenia patients demonstrated higher median levels, consistent with chronic inflammation.
  • The study concluded that the findings reinforce the inflammatory hypothesis of psychosis and highlight the potential of biomarkers to refine diagnosis, guide treatment strategies, and support future research into immunomodulatory therapies.

Statistics:

  • 135 patients were analyzed in the study, with 69 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 66 with acute psychotic disorder.
  • Elevated median values for SII, CRP, and MLR were observed, suggesting persistent systemic inflammation in psychotic disorders.
  • Schizophrenia patients demonstrated higher median levels of infection and inflammation, consistent with chronic inflammation.
  • Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values were elevated in 85% of patients with schizophrenia and 78% of patients with acute psychotic disorder.

Sources:

  • Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers in Perception Disorders in Major Psychiatric Pathology. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025;26(19):9299.
  • Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 27, 2025; p 69.
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Mdpi, St Alban-Anlage 66, Ch-4052 Basel, Switzerland.

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