Targeting the Immune System With Pharmacotherapy in Schizophrenia

Melbourne, Jennifer K.; Feiner, Benjamin; Rosen, Cherise; Sharma, Rajiv P.

doi:10.1007/s40501-017-0114-0

Cited by 11 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 104 publications

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“…In general, the current treatment of schizophrenia involves the use of antipsychotics as the first line of therapy ( 158 ). This is often followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), in addition to vitamins and herbal products targeting the immune system and the inflammatory processes ( 159 ). It is known that the inflammatory phenotype should be defined and delineated at the individual level both for research and clinical purposes, in order to evaluate an individual treatment for a patient.…”

Section: Cytokine-based Therapeutic Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cytokine Imbalance in Schizophrenia. From Research to Clinic: Potential Implications for Treatment

2021

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Cytokines are one of the most important components of the immune system. They orchestrate the brain's response to infectious and other exogenous insults and are crucial mediators of the cross-talk between the nervous and immune systems. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that severe infections and autoimmune disorders, in addition to genetic predisposition, are risk factors for schizophrenia. Furthermore, maternal infection during pregnancy appears to increase the risk of schizophrenia, and proinflammatory cytokines may be negatively involved in the neurodevelopmental process. A cytokine imbalance has been described in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of schizophrenia patients, particularly in the T helper type 1 [Th1] and type 2 [Th2] cytokines, albeit the results of such studies appear to be contradictory. Chronic stress, likewise, appears to contribute to a lasting proinflammatory state and likely also promotes the disorder. The aim of this mini-review is to investigate the roles of different cytokines in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and define how cytokines may represent key molecular targets to regulate for the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia. How current antipsychotic drugs impact cytokine networks is also evaluated. In this context, we propose to change the focus of schizophrenia from a traditionally defined brain disorder, to one that is substantially impacted by the periphery and immune system.

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Section: Cytokine-based Therapeutic Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cytokine Imbalance in Schizophrenia. From Research to Clinic: Potential Implications for Treatment

2021

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“…While pharmacotherapy and support system interventions for clients and families are the prominent treatment approaches for schizophrenia (Fellner, ; Melbourne, Feiner, Rosen, & Sharma, ), family communication issues have long been associated with the exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms (Watzlawick et al., ). The case study was conducted from the perspective that the symptoms of schizophrenia can be exacerbated by familial factors.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Family Therapy for a Korean Son with Schizophrenia

Park

2017

ANZ J of Family Therapy

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In recent decades the treatment of schizophrenia has focused primarily on pharmacotherapy with an emphasis on respite for family caregivers, support groups, and compliance regimens to sustain and maintain the affected client and family members. The use of family therapy models to intervene effectively with families affected by a diagnosis of schizophrenia is less common in the professional literature. This case study draws on the Mental Research Institute's communication theory and Bowen Family Systems Theory in therapeutic work with a Korean family.

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“…However, in schizophrenia, these anti-inflammatory agents only have a small benefit for positive symptoms [ 79 ]. On the other hand, tocilizumab (an anti-IL-6 agent) improves cognitive symptoms, whereas minocycline and pregnenolone (an endogenous steroid) improve negative symptoms in these patients ( review by Melbourne et al [ 80 ]).…”

Section: The Association Between Stress Inflammation and Treatment Rmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reviewing the above-mentioned evidence, it becomes evident that antipsychotic drugs affect inflammatory mechanisms, and more specifically cytokine levels, although studies have yielded different results [ 80 , 123 ]. In fact, many studies have highlighted paradoxical anti- and pro-inflammatory actions.…”

Section: The Association Between Stress Inflammation and Treatment Rmentioning

confidence: 99%

The neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19: Interactions with psychiatric illness and pharmacological treatment

Vuren

Steyn

Brink

et al. 2021

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

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Targeting the Immune System With Pharmacotherapy in Schizophrenia

Cited by 11 publications

References 104 publications

Cytokine Imbalance in Schizophrenia. From Research to Clinic: Potential Implications for Treatment

Cytokine Imbalance in Schizophrenia. From Research to Clinic: Potential Implications for Treatment

Family Therapy for a Korean Son with Schizophrenia

The neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19: Interactions with psychiatric illness and pharmacological treatment

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