Medial prefrontal cortex neurochemical metabolites in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate medial prefrontal cortex neurochemical metabolite levels in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Method: The subjects comprised 15 patients with schizophrenia (SCH), 15 patients with schizoaffective disorder (SAD), and 15 healthy controls. Levels of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), creatine-containing compounds (Cr), and myo-inositol (myo-I) were measured in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using 1H-MRS. Results: Differences were detected in NAA, Cho, Cr, and myo-I levels among the groups. In schizophrenic patients, the left and right mPFC NAA levels and left mPFC Cho level were found to be lower, compared to the control group. In patients with schizoaffective disorder, left and right mPFC NAA, Cho, Cr, and myo-I levels were found to be lower compared to the control group. No difference was detected in mPFC neurochemical metabolite levels between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder patients. Conclusion: In this stud were found that in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, NAA and Cho levels are reduced. Consequently, in these two diseases, neuronal activity and neuronal integrity are impaired in the medial prefrontal region, and there are defects in membrane phospholipid metabolism. In addition, the decreases in Cr and myo-I levels in schizoaffective disorder patients point to abnormalities in energy metabolism and glial cells in the medial prefrontal region.