Clinical Report: Exploring the Links Between Oxidative Stress and Metacognition in Schizophrenia
Overview
This study investigates the relationship between oxidative stress and metacognitive function in schizophrenia patients. Findings indicate that oxidative stress markers correlate with metacognitive deficits and psychopathological symptoms.
Background
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including cognitive impairments that significantly affect social functioning. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, yet its relationship with metacognitive function and psychopathology remains underexplored.
Data Highlights
Marker
Schizophrenia Patients
Healthy Controls
p-value
SOD (ng/L)
130.69
152.12
< 0.05
CAT (ng/L)
2.46
6.62
< 0.05
GPX (μmol/L)
158.09
197.75
< 0.05
MDA (μmol/L)
9.22
7.34
< 0.05
Key Findings
Patients with schizophrenia exhibited significantly lower total and subscale scores on the Metacognitive Assessment Scale (MAS-A) compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01).
Oxidative stress markers SOD, CAT, and GPX were significantly lower in patients, while MDA levels were higher (all p < 0.05).
Partial correlations indicated that SOD was negatively correlated with PANSS total and MAS-A decentration scores in patients.
Linear regression analysis showed significant associations between SOD, CAT, GPX, and both PANSS total and MAS-A total scores (all p < 0.05).
Greater oxidative stress severity correlated with worse metacognitive function and more severe psychopathology.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate associations between oxidative stress and cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenia.
Conclusion
This study highlights the associations between oxidative stress and metacognitive function in schizophrenia.
