Background: Markers of oxidative stress have already been considered as a reflection of the balance of protective and degenerative mechanisms in psychoses. The antioxidant protection system includes several enzymes, such as peroxiredoxins (PRDXs). PRDX6 is a bifunctional enzyme and both activities are associated with SCZ physiology: peroxidase and phospholipase A2 activity.
Aim: To determine the PRDX6 levels in first onset drug-naïve psychotic patients.
Method: We investigated by western blot the protein expression of peroxiredoxin 6 in platelets of 42 first onset, drug-naïve psychotic patients (28 schizophrenia and 14 bipolar disorder) as compared to 16 age and gender matched healthy controls.
Results: PRDX6 level is lower in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder compared to controls (p=0.049). If we consider psychotic patients vs. healthy control the level is even more decreased (p=0.028). No associations were found between PRDX6 level and gender, age, duration of the illness and psychopathological scores.
Conclusions: The role of PRDX6 in neuropsychiatry diseases may be controversial. The binding of PRDX6 to different substrates regulates its peroxidase and iPLA2 activities. Possibly, in first onset psychosis, antioxidant pathway is more prominent and informative in platelets.