Scientists from Zurich University found that a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia may affect the state of the eye and cause it to thin. Research Results published Nature Ruh HEALTH (NMN) magazine.
Scientists relied on the genetic and ophthalmological data of tens of thousands of volunteers from the bioban of the biomedical information base. This portal contains information about more than 500,000 people. The researchers calculated polygenic indicators of the risk of schizophrenia for each participant. These data were then compared with the status of the retina of subjects measured by using optical consistent tomography (OCT), a non -invasive and affordable diagnostic method.
It turned out that a higher genetic predisposition for schizophrenia was associated with the thinning of the retina. Although the effect was found to be important, it was statistically reliable on the work scale. Scientists stressed that the changes in the retina could be detected much easier and faster than the brain, which made this part of the eye a potential biobelirtic for early diagnosis of mental illness.
Another important discovery was the role of inflammatory processes: some genetic options associated with inflammation in the brain contributed to the structural changes in the retina. This strengthens the hypothesis in which inflammation plays a role in the development of schizophrenia.
According to scientists, work is opening new fields for research in the field of neuropsychiatry. In addition, new data can help develop more effective methods to diagnose mental disorders in the future.
Previously announced Genetic mutation that provokes autism and schizophrenia.
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Source: Gazeta
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