Role of free redicals in schizophrenia

Free radicals play a major role in the functioning and development of man. The same is found in many somatic and psychic diseases. Changes in free radical concentration levels may be indirectly caused by activity changes of antioxidant enzymes, which apart from antioxidants are the main defence elements of our organism. Many authors demonstrate antioxidant activity disturbances in schizophrenia, Alzheimers disease and other psychic diseases. The use of this knowledge in the treatment of psychic diseases remains minimal. The effect of neuroleptic drugs on free radical processes remains a mystery and the use of antioxidants in the treatment of psychic diseases has been documented by only a few.

Keywords: Schizophrenia, antioxidant enzymes, Free Radicals, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx)