Inflammation in schizophrenia: the contribution of inflammatory markers to the emergence of negative symptoms, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Dunleavy, Connor (2021). Inflammation in schizophrenia: the contribution of inflammatory markers to the emergence of negative symptoms, a systematic review and meta-analysis. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

Schizophrenia is a highly debilitating disorder that affects up to 20 million individuals worldwide, characterised by severe positive (hallucinations, delusions), negative (anhedonia, avolition), and cognitive (impairment) symptoms. Negative symptomology is broadly defined as a ‘loss of function’, including deficits in affective responses that are notoriously long- lasting, difficult to treat, and underpin concerning reductions in quality of life. The mechanisms underlying schizophrenia development remain poorly understood, however contemporary research suggests inflammatory abnormalities and alterations in immune functioning are crucial in both the development of disease, and emergence of negative symptomology in particular. Indeed, perturbations in peripheral inflammatory cytokine concentration have been reported across the whole schizophrenia spectrum, alongside elevated markers of central glial activation which is indicative of neuroinflammation in schizophrenia. This is proposed to cause excessive generation of neuroactive metabolites in the brain that may facilitate dysregulation of dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurotransmission within the central nervous system. Further, chronic low-grade inflammation may impair sufficient activation and connectivity of brain areas associated with affective functioning, and contribute to pathogenic processes that foster the development of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. However, to our knowledge the prospective relationship between cytokine perturbations and severity of negative symptoms has never been assessed via systematic review and meta-analysis.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):