Neuro-developmental theory paid attention to an apoptosis role and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in schizophrenia pathogenesis. ROS concentration in cells is maintained on a low level due to manganese superoxide dismutase activity (MnSOD).
The aim of the work: An attempt of evaluation of Ala-9Val polymorphism in gene for MnSOD in schizophrenic patients and control group was undertaken.
Material and methods: 122 paranoid schizophrenia patients were asked to the study. Clinical evaluation were performed by using PANSS.
Results: Alleles layout in control group (Val 45.95%) and an under-study group (Val 73.77%) was statistically different. Genotype layout also differentiated the groups. The under-study group: Ala/Ala--10.65%, Val/Ala--31.15%, Val/Val--58.2%; and in the control group respectivelly: 37.84%, 32.43%, 29.73%. relative risk for developing schizophrenia in people having in their polymorphism for MnSOD genotype Val-9Val is over three times (RR = 3.29) higher than for people not having this genotype. While evaluating correlations between a genotype, frequency of Ala-9Val allele polymorphism and social - demographic and clinical data of schizophrenic patients, no statistically substantial correlations were observed, even though there was a close to gravity correlation between a genotype Val-9Val and negative disease symptoms (p = 0.075).
Conclusions: 1. In Polish populations there is a statistically substantial associations between schizophrenia incidence a genotype Val-9Val in gene for MnSOD. 2. The lack of association between selected social - demographic and clinical factors of schizophrenic patients and Ala-9Val polymorphism in a gene for MnSOD. 3. Risk for developing schizophrenia in people having Val-9Val genotype in a gene for MnSOD is over three times higher than for people not having this very genotype.