Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a complex psychological disorder with a prevalence rate that ranges from 0.16% to 1.21%. It affects individuals of different ages and genders, although the first onset of symptoms typically occurs during adolescence or young adulthood. Patients with schizophrenia often demonstrate impairments in cognition, emotion, and behavior, which can hinder their ability to interact with their surroundings. While the disease is persistent and chronic, most patients do not experience intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, schizophrenia places a heavy burden on society and the economy. As a result, there is a pressing need for extensive research on its etiology and pathogenesis, making it a prominent topic in psychiatric research. The neurotransmitter hypothesis, which suggests that schizophrenia may be associated with dysfunction in the dopamine system, has been widely utilized to study the pathogenesis of the disorder. Genetics, neuropathology, and neurotransmitter hypotheses provide important insights into the understanding of schizophrenia. However, further research is necessary to uncover the underlying causes and mechanisms of the disease fully. This review aims to provide a systematic introduction to the current understanding of schizophrenia, discuss the various hypotheses and findings related to its etiology and pathogenesis, and emphasize the role of the immune system in this disorder, thus improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of schizophrenia. By exploring the immune system's involvement in schizophrenia, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the disease and develop novel interventions and treatments.