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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Schizophrenia | Research

Exploring low grade inflammation by soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor levels in schizophrenia: a sex-dependent association with depressive symptoms

Authors: Therese Torgersen Bigseth, John Abel Engh, Jens Egeland, Eivind Andersen, Ole Andreas Andreassen, Gry Bang-Kittilsen, Ragnhild Sørum Falk, Tom Langerud Holmen, Morten Lindberg, Jon Mordal, Jimmi Nielsen, Nils Eiel Steen, Thor Ueland, Torkel Vang, Mats Fredriksen

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

There is evidence of increased low grade inflammation (LGI) in schizophrenia patients. However, the inter-individual variation is large and the association with demographic, somatic and psychiatric factors remains unclear. Our aim was to explore whether levels of the novel LGI marker soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) were associated with clinical factors in schizophrenia and if such associations were sex-dependent.

Method

In this observational study a total of 187 participants with schizophrenia (108 males, 79 females) underwent physical examination and assessment with clinical interviews (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), and Drug Use Disorder Identification Test (DUDIT)). Blood levels of suPAR, glucose, lipids, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were determined and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used adjusting for confounders, and sex interaction tested in significant variables.

Results

Adjusting for sex, age, current tobacco smoking and BMI, we found that levels of hsCRP and depressive symptoms (CDSS) were positively associated with levels of suPAR (p < 0.001). The association between suPAR and CDSS score was significant in females (p < 0.001) but not in males. Immune activation measured by hsCRP was not associated with depressive symptoms after adjusting for BMI.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that increased suPAR levels are associated with depressive symptoms in females with schizophrenia, suggesting aberrant immune activation in this subgroup. Our results warrant further studies, including longitudinal follow-up of suPAR levels in schizophrenia and experimental studies of mechanisms.

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Title: Exploring low grade inflammation by soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor levels in schizophrenia: a sex-dependent association with depressive symptoms
Authors: Therese Torgersen Bigseth
John Abel Engh
Jens Egeland
Eivind Andersen
Ole Andreas Andreassen
Gry Bang-Kittilsen
Ragnhild Sørum Falk
Tom Langerud Holmen
Morten Lindberg
Jon Mordal
Jimmi Nielsen
Nils Eiel Steen
Thor Ueland
Torkel Vang
Mats Fredriksen
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Schizophrenia
Affective Disorder
Urokinase
Affective Disorder
Biomarkers
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03522-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Exploring low grade inflammation by soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor levels in schizophrenia: a sex-dependent association with depressive symptoms

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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