Background
Toxoplasmosis is a widespread infection that is often asymptomatic. Latent toxoplasmosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several multifactorial diseases including schizophrenia, through the activation of the hypothalamis–pituitary–adrenal axis and the induction of oxidative stress.
Aim
Assessment of the relation between seroreactivity to toxoplasmosis in the levels of dopamine, cortisol, and glutathione (GSH) activity in schizophrenic patients.
Patients and Methods
Twenty-three schizophrenic patients were involved. Diagnosis was confirmed by positive and negative syndrome scale, compared with 23 control individuals. Anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin-G, cortisone level, and dopamine were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Reduced GSH level in serum was detected using colorimetry..
Results
Schizophrenic patients showed higher levels of cortisol and dopamine as compared with control subjects. In addition, patients also had lower GSH levels, reflecting the presence of oxidative stress. There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis between schizophrenic patients and controls. Seropositive patients showed significantly lower GSH levels than seronegative ones. In contrast, cortisone and dopamine levels did not differ between seropositive and seronegative patients.
Conclusions
Endocrine changes such as alterations in cortisol and dopamine levels in addition to oxidative stress are important findings in schizophrenic patients. Latent toxoplasmosis can contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia through the generation of oxidative stress but was not found to be associated with endocrine changes. Further assessment on the contribution of toxoplasmosis to schizophrenia and the possible application on the planning of treatment approaches is recommended.