Schizophrenia, oxidative stress and selenium

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a complex, crippling mental illness that is influenced by multiple environmental and genetic factors. Oxidative stress is among the most prominent factors implicated in schizophrenia. Many components of the oxidative stress pathways influence cell-signaling cascades that regulate several neurotransmitter systems. One of the characteristic features of schizophrenia is altered dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission, which is influenced by oxidative stress and exacerbated by certain drugs of abuse. Selenoproteins play critical roles in defense against oxidative stress and include glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases, and iodothyronine deiodinases. Based upon their integral function in protection against oxidative stress, impaired selenoprotein synthesis and function may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.