Schizophrenia is a common psychological disorder of an altered state of mind that leads to a distortion of reality. Patients suffering from this condition experience hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and disorganized thoughts. The causes of schizophrenia at first glance look like the number of ways schizophrenia presents itself but lets take a closer look at it. Poor mental health occurring as a result of schizophrenia can result in psychosocial impairment and severe emotional distress. The effects of this disorder on the personal, professional and social life of the patient can be very intense. Hence, it is essential to identify the causes of schizophrenia and take steps to boost the emotional, intellectual and psychosocial functions in order to prevent this condition. We now recognize immune system dysfunction as one of the causes of schizophrenia. It can not only increase the risk of this condition but also worsen the existing symptoms. Let us have a look at the role played by immune system dysfunction in the development of schizophrenia.

How can immune system dysfunction be one of the causes of schizophrenia?

Increased monocytes

Recent research studies have indicated the role of immune system dysfunction as one of the causes of schizophrenia. Immune alterations are common in patients with this disorder. Modern immunological methods used to investigate the functionally differentiated immune system cells have revealed certain abnormalities in schizophrenia. The unspecific "innate" immune system has shown signs of an overactivation in schizophrenic patients along with increased monocytes and activation of macrophages. These findings have confirmed the role of immune system abnormalities in causing schizophrenia.

Activation of enzymes

Research into the involvement of immune dysfunctions in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia points to an imbalance in the activation of an enzyme called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Abnormalities linked to the tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism is also found to be one of the causes of schizophrenia. These factors increase the risk of this condition by causing an increased synthesis of kynurenic acid. It also creates an imbalance in the glutamatergic neurotransmission, thus causing an NMDA antagonism in the schizophrenia patients.

Causes antipsychotic imbalance

Immune cells may produce an antipsychotic imbalance by increasing the production and release of kynurenic acid. These immunological imbalances can result in an inflammatory state, which when combined with a higher production of prostaglandin E2 and an increased cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression, contributes to the development and worsening of schizophrenia.

Increases levels of Interleukin-6

Immune system dysfunction can be one of the causes of schizophrenia as it can result in an increased level of Interleukin-6 and lead to an activation of the Interleukin-6 system. These changes in immunological functions are common in patients with schizophrenia. Research has also indicated that these changes are associated with other abnormal parameters of the cellular immune system. These parameters include decreased T-helper-1 cells and TH-1-TH-2 imbalances. They also cause a shift toward the TH-2 system. These findings have strongly suggested the role of immune system abnormalities as the risk factors for schizophrenia.

Releases pro-inflammatory substances

High levels of pro-inflammatory substances like cytokines have been commonly associated with a higher risk of schizophrenia. Assessment of patients diagnosed with this condition has revealed a higher level of these substances in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Abnormal functions of immune cells release cytokines, and later those regulate the causes of schizophrenia, thus increasing the risk of this disease. In addition to this, the infection-triggered activation of the immune system may also release cytokines. Using immune-boosting supplements such as Bio-Pro Plus increases CD4 counts and help prevent the immunological causes of schizophrenia. It can regulate the functions of the immune cells and prevent the abnormal changes that could trigger the causes of schizophrenia. People who are at a higher risk of developing this condition due to the presence of causative factors such as family history should also use this supplement on a regular basis to minimize the likelihood of developing it in the future.

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