Comparison of Serum Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) in Batak Male Schizophrenic Patients Versus Healthy Controls

Background: Schizophrenia is a common psychotic disorder, with a risk of about 1%, the etiology of schizophrenia unknown, one of which includes immunological disorders. Although, there are conflicting results, most studies focusing on plasma levels or the production of mitogen-stimulated cytokines. Furthermore, this study compared serum levels of TNF-α in male chronic schizophrenic patients and healthy control. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 male patients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenic and 40 healthy control. Severity of illness was assessed with PANSS. Serum levels of TNF-α were measured by Quantikine HS Human TNF-α Immunoassay. Results: TNF-α levels were significantly higher in chronic schizophrenic (25.12±1.76) to healthy control subjects (5.49±1.69), p=0.001; p<0.05. Conclusion: This study suggested that TNF-α play a role in the immunopathogenesis of schizophrenia and behavioral changes. The relationship between schizophrenia and inflammation was supported by the production of abnormal cytokines. Key-wordsBatak male, Chronic schizophrenic, Healthy control, Serum TNF-α INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia is a common psychotic disorder, with a risk of about 1%, the most common early onset of this disease is 15-30 years of age, and is a chronic disease that causes disruption to patients and their families. [1] The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, although several etiological theories have been proposed for the disease, including developmental or neurodegenerative processes, neurotransmitter abnormalities, viral infection and immune dysfunction or autoimmune mechanisms. [2] Schizophrenic patients have aberrant proportions of immuno-competent cells and varied levels of cytokines, especially pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in their peripheral blood or cerebrospinal fluid. [3] Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: