Objective: It is known that inflammation plays a role in the
etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. In this study, we examined high
mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) and Beclin 1 levels and their
relationship with clinical variables in patients with schizophrenia.
Method: Forty-three patients with schizophrenia and 43 healthy
controls were included in this study. The patients were administered
sociodemographic data form, the Positive Negative Symptoms
Assessment Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI)
scale. After the scales were filled, venous blood samples were taken from
both the patient and control groups to measure serum HMGB1 and
Beclin 1 levels. Serum samples obtained at the end of centrifugation
were measured by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA)
method.
Results: The mean serum HMGB1 levels were significantly increased
and the mean serum Beclin 1 levels were significantly decreased in the
schizophrenia group compared to the control group. In addition, a
negative correlation was found between HMGB1 and Beclin 1 levels.
Conclusion: In conclusion, current research shows that HMGB1
is increased and Beclin 1 is decreased in patients with schizophrenia,
and these findings may contribute to the role of autophagy in the
pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Keywords: Schizophrenia, High Mobility Group Box 1, Beclin 1,
Autophagy