Insights into psychotic disorders uncovered by chromatography and spectrometry

Scientists have used ultra high performance liquid chromatography and spectrometry to analyst schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

In an article published on Genome Medicine, the researchers looked at samples from the general population in Finland.

Noting that patients suffering with these types of disorder often also experience obesity, as well as lipid abnormalities and decreased glucose tolerance, the scientists particularly looked at molecular information relating to metabolisms.

The research showed that those with schizophrenia had elevated metabolite levels in six lipid clusters, while all pyschoses demonstrated increased serum glutamic acid.

"Our findings suggest that specific metabolic abnormalities related to glucoregulatory processes and proline metabolism are specifically associated with schizophrenia," the report says.

Reviewed by peers, Genome Medicine published open access research articles encompassing all areas of genome-focused medicine.

Looking particularly at new findings and technologies, the journal aims to publish pieces that deliver insight into understanding and managing health issues.