Male sex may be associated with higher metabolic risk in first-episode schizophrenia patients: A preliminary study

Background: High incidence of metabolic syndrome has been evidenced in schizophrenia patients. However, gender-specific relationship with risk of metabolic disorders in first-episode schizophrenia has received poor systematic study.

Aim: We aimed at exploring the impact of sex difference on the parameters of glucolipid metabolism in first-episode psychosis schizophrenia (FEP) patients.

Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of data from our previously performed clinical trial. A total of 60 FEP patients and 28 healthy sex- and age-matched volunteers were included. Blood glucose and lipid metabolic profiles, as well as schizophrenia-related clinical symptoms were assessed. The body mass index, level of blood insulin and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were measured.

Results: The FEP patients demonstrated significant increases in blood insulin concentration, insulin resistance and blood triglyceride when compared with healthy controls. In FEP patients, there were no differences in psychopathology measurements between the genders. BMI and HOMA-IR were significantly greater in male vs female FEP patients. In addition, a more severe dyslipidemia was also observed in male FEP patients, including an increased triglyceride level, an augmented LDL content and a decreased HDL concentration. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the gender was significantly correlated to HOMA-IR.

Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that male FEP patients may be more predisposed to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia than female FEP patients. These results could contribute to the understanding of prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome in FEP patients.