Longitudinal study of beta2-microglobulin abnormalities in schizophrenia.

In an earlier cross-sectional study, we reported antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients to have significantly elevated beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) level suggestive of its potential association with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. In this study, we present the follow-up analyses of beta2M in 31 patients from the previous study who were re-assessed after 92.1+/-7.2 days of antipsychotic treatment. Compared to baseline, there was a further significant elevation of beta2M in schizophrenia patients following treatment, especially in those who were treated with risperidone. Also, there was a significant negative correlation between beta2M level and total psychopathology score during follow-up in risperidone group. The study findings extend further support the role for beta2M in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia strengthening the case for immune dysregulation. Moreover, the observations suggest the possibility that the mechanism of action of antipsychotics might involve alteration of immune parameters.

Beta2-microglobulin abnormalities in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia: evidence for immune pathogenesis.

Studies examining immune dysfunction in schizophrenia have reported decreased type-1 T-helper cell specific immunity (Th1) and increased type-2 T-helper cell specific immunity (Th2) and related abnormalities in inflammatory system. Beta2-Microglobulin (beta2M) influences the development of dendritic cells, which play a significant role in regulating the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Th1 or Th2 lineages. The present study examined serum beta2M in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients (n=43) in comparison with age, sex, handedness and socioeconomic status matched healthy controls (n=43). Serum beta2M was significantly higher in schizophrenia patients (1692.6+/-354.4 ng/mL) than healthy controls (1409.6+/-246.9 ng/mL) (t=4.3; p<0.0001). There was a significant positive correlation between beta2M level and total psychopathology score (r=0.32; p=0.035). These novel observations suggest that beta2M abnormalities might have a potential association with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.