The association between serum levels of TNF- α and IL-6 in schizophrenic patients and their metabolic status – A case control study

According to immunological theory of schizophrenia, dysfunctions of the immune system are linked with the pathology of schizophrenia. Among cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) seem to be correlated with psychopathology of schizophrenia. Both IL-6 and TNF-α are produced in the fat tissue by adipocytes. Thus, cytokine levels in obese patients are increased compared with healthy subjects. These metabolic underlying mechanisms may be an important confounding factor in the studies on cytokines levels in schizophrenia.
Source: Journal of Neuroimmunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research