Mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia - a challenge for new therapeutic strategies

Title

Mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia - a challenge for new therapeutic strategies
Poster

Description

Elena Ivanova
University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Medical Faculty, Medical University - Sofia, Bulgaria

Subject

The aim is to detect mutations and/or variants in mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) potentially associated with the development of schizophrenia. The mitochondrial hypothesis - links energy changes in cells with subsequent neuronal death. Material and methods: 37 patients and 23 healthy controls were sequenced for mDNA (NGS platform). Data were processed using the mtDNA Variant Processor, Analyzer (Illumina) and mtDNA-Server. Results: Analysis of 480 mDNA variants found that patients with schizophrenic have an increased frequency of polymorphisms belonging to complex I genes: MT-ND4 (11251G and 11467G), MT-ND3 (10398G), MT-ND1 (4216C) and MT -ND5 (12611G and 13708A), some of which are considered to be at risk for the development of the disease. Discussion: Mitochondria play an important role in the control of cellular processes, they are involved in the regulation of neuronal development and synaptic plasticity of the central nervous system. The presence of mitochondrial dysfunction leads to metabolic changes – a "switch" to anaerobic metabolism. Conducting multidisciplinary research provides an opportunity to further understand the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying schizophrenia. To prevent oxidative damage and disturbances in energy metabolism, new therapeutic strategies against mitochondrial dysfunction are sought, including: coenzyme Q10, analogs of Q10, EPI - 743 (α - Tocotrienol quinine) and others. For patients with schizophrenia, conducting augmentative therapy (against catabolic stress, prescribing cofactors, antioxidants, etc.) may open up new therapeutic possibilities.
Project: "Study of mitochondrial DNA in patients with schizophrenia", funded by Medical University - Sofia under contract D - 221/18.
Keywords: mitochondrial dysfunction, schizophrenia, new therapeutic strategies