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The British Journal of Psychiatry (2000) 176: 290-293
© 2000 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

PRELIMINARY REPORT

Smoking habits and plasma lipid peroxide and vitamin E levels in never-treated first-episode patients with schizophrenia

SCOTTISH SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH GROUP

Declaration of interest The study was supported by an unrestricted grant from Eli Lilly.

Correspondence: Dr Robin McCreadie, FRCPsych, Department of Clinical Research, Crichton Royal Hospital, Dumfries DGI 4TG. Tel. +44 1387 244000; Fax. +44 1387 257735; e-mail: rgmcreadie_crh{at}compuserve.com

Background Lipid peroxidation may be increased in schizophrenia, due to the illness, lifestyle or medication.

Aims To determine plasma lipid peroxide levels and serum vitamin E and A levels in first-episode never-treated people with schizophrenia and in controls.

Method Thirty in-patients with a first episode of schizophrenia or schizophreniform psychosis were recruited, as were controls matched for gender, age, smoking and dietary status. Blood samples were taken, smoking status was recorded and body mass index measured.

Results There were no significant differences between patients and controls in plasma lipid peroxide levels. Seventythree per cent of the patients smoked. Patients who smoked had a higher mean lipid peroxide level than non-smokers. Seventy-seven per cent of patients and 70% of controls had a ratio of vitamin E to cholesterol of less than 5. Body mass index was lower in patients than in controls.

Conclusions As a result of the high prevalence of smoking this group shows increased lipid peroxidation. Low serum ratios of vitamin E to cholesterol in both patients and controls suggest an unsatisfactory diet.




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