Background
Schizophrenia is associated with immune system dysfunction, including abnormal blood
immune cell parameters. We performed a meta-analysis of these associations, considering
the effect of clinical status and antipsychotic treatment following an acute exacerbation
of psychosis.
Methods
We identified articles by searching PubMed, PsycINFO, and Thomson Reuters (formerly
ISI) Web of Knowledge and the reference lists of identified studies.
Results
Sixteen studies of blood lymphocytes met the inclusion criteria. There was insufficient
data for a meta-analysis of the mononuclear phagocytic system. In cross-sectional
studies, there was a significant increase in the CD4% and CD56% in acutely relapsed
inpatients. Absolute levels of total lymphocytes, CD3, and CD4, and the CD4/CD8 ratio
were significantly increased, and the CD3% was significantly decreased in drug-native
first-episode psychosis. In longitudinal studies, the CD4/CD8 ratio appeared to be
state-related markers, as it decreased following antipsychotic treatment for acute
exacerbations of psychosis. Absolute CD56 levels appeared to be a trait marker, as
levels significantly increased following antipsychotic treatment for relapse.
Conclusions
Blood lymphocyte abnormalities in drug-naïve first-episode psychosis suggest an effect
that may be independent of antipsychotic medications. While some parameters (CD4/CD8)
may be state markers for acute exacerbations of psychosis, others (CD56) may be trait
markers; however, more longitudinal studies are needed. Although these findings could
provide the basis for future hypothesis testing, a relatively small number of studies
and subjects, lack of correlative data with clinical features, and inadequate consideration
of potential confounding factors limit the results.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 12, 2012
Accepted:
September 5,
2012
Received in revised form:
August 13,
2012
Received:
February 23,
2012
Identification
Copyright
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