Glutathione antioxidant pathways in patients with schizophrenia: relationship with metabolic syndrome

Objectives In light of the frequent co-occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in schizophrenia and their common links to oxidative stress, the aim of our study was to evaluate glutathione (GSH) metabolism parameters in patients with schizophrenia and MetS.Methods The study cohort comprised two groups: (1) 60 patients with schizophrenia and MetS and (2) 70 patients with schizophrenia without MetS,. GSH and its fractions concentration, and GSH-enzymes activity in serum were determined spectrophotometrically.Results Total GSH and oxidised GSH (GSSG) concentration was significantly higher in schizophrenia patients with MetS (p = 0.003 and p = 0.028 respectively) than in those without MetS. The rGSH/GSSG ratio was significantly reduced in schizophrenia patients with MetS relative to those without MetS (p = 0.022). Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly higher in patients with MetS than in those without MetS (p = 0.019).Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that MetS in schizophrenia patients is associated with GSH metabolism dysregulation.