Significantly reduced docosahexaenoic and docosapentaenoic acid concentrations in erythrocyte membranes from schizophrenic patients compared with a carefully matched control group

Background: Fatty acid research in schizophrenia has demonstrated an altere d cell membrane phospholipid metabolism. Erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition closest reflects that of neuronal membranes. Methods: (Poly)(un)saturated fatty acid concentrations were measured in the erythrocyte membranes of 19, consecutively admitted, medicated young schiz ophrenic patients and then compared with matched control subjects. Psychiat ric symptomatology was rated with the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale a nd Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Because diet, hormones, and c annnbis influence fatty acid metabolism, we included these factors in our s tudy. Results: The most distinctive findings concerned the omega -3 series: C22:5 omega -3, C22:6 omega -3 (docosahexaenoic acid), and the sum of omega -3 f atty acids were significantly decreased. Interestingly, C20:4 omega -6 (ara chidonic acid) was not lowered. In the omega -9 series, higher levels of C2 2:1 omega -9 and lower levels its elongation product, C24:1 omega -9 (nervo nic acid), were found. Interestingly the other arm of the desaturarion-elon gation sequence of C18:1 omega -9, C20, 3 omega -9, was lower in patients. The total omega -9 fatty acid levels were also lower in patients. Conclusions: Significant differences in erythrocyte fatty acid composition were found. The differences were not due to diet or hormonal status and cou ld not be explained by the medication or cannabis use. No consistent patter n emerged from the different fatty acid abnormalities and the clinical symp tom scores. Biol Psychiatry 2001;49: 510-522 (C) 2001 Society of Biological Psychiatry.