Some anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, can support the action of drugs used in people suffering from schizophrenia – informs the EurekAlert website.
For some time, doctors have been of the opinion that improving the work of the immune system may have a positive effect on the effectiveness of the treatment of schizophrenia. However, there was not enough evidence to confirm this. Scientists from the University of Utrecht (the Netherlands) conducted a meta-analysis of 26 studies on combining anti-inflammatory drugs with antipsychotics.
The results confirmed that the immune system influences, among others, for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The development of schizophrenia in particular is associated with the HLA family of genes which control many functions of the immune system.
Aspirin, acetylcysteine and, in the case of women, estrogen turned out to be the most effective. On the other hand, no effects of drugs such as celecoxib or minocycline were observed.
According to the author of the research, Prof. Iris Sommer, research is currently underway on the use of simvastatin (a drug used to treat lipid disorders) to reduce inflammation in the brain of patients with schizophrenia.
Inflammation and oxidative stress appear to be important factors in many mental disorders. Patients, including those with schizophrenia, have lower levels of antioxidants in the brain and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Animal studies and clinical trials have shown that anti-inflammatory drugs given early in brain development are not only able to reduce the symptoms of the disease, but also to prevent neurobiological abnormalities and psychosis. These results are a step towards better treatments. However, it is necessary to continue the research, especially with the participation of younger patients, whose brain plasticity is greater – sums up Prof. Celso Arango from the Gregorio Maranón University in Madrid. (PAP)