The identification of early biological changes associated with psychosis is important as it may provide clues to the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and early diagnosis at treatment of those at risk of future disorder is associated with improved outcome.
The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a prospective general population cohort, and a rich resource of demographic, environmental, and clinical data on the individuals involved. We studied a subsample of the cohort who participated in psychiatric assessment interviews at age 12 and 18, and who provided plasma samples at age 12.
A multi-omics approach was used, including mass spectrometry based proteomics, lipidomics and ELISA.
Our findings implicate the blood complement and coagulation system in psychotic experiences and disease from age 12 to age 18. The complement cascade is a major component of the immune defense against infection, and there is increasing evidence for a role of dysregulated complement in major psychiatric disorders.
These findings demonstrate how this multi-omics approach contributes to a better understanding of the molecular pathways dysregulated in the blood during childhood before the development of different forms of psychosis.