To investigate if persistent pro-inflammatory changes in monocytes and T-cells are associated with exposure to migration early in life, and if these changes mediate the relationship between migration and schizophrenia.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Mean level of mRNA in monocytes and intracellular cytokines in T-cells.
Secondary outcome
Not applicable.
Background summary
The risk for schizophrenia is increased in several migrant groups for both
first and second generation immigrants. Research has shown that the risk is
increased compared to native Dutch for immigrants from Suriname (first
generation RR 2.6 95% BI 1.7-4.0, second generation RR 2.9 [1.6-5.0]), the
Netherlands Antilles (RR 1.9 [0.8-4.6], 1.4 [0.2-10.4]) , Turkey (RR 1.4
[0.7-2.6]), 2.3 [1.0-5.4]) and Morocco (RR 2.3 [1.7-3.0], 2.5 [1.7-3.7]). For
first generation migrants, the risk for schizophrenia was particularly
increased for those migrants who migrated early in life (0-4 years). This
finding suggests that early childhood is an important period for determining
vulnerability for this disorder.
To date, biological mechanisms underlying this increased risk have not been
identified. One possibility is that early migration leads to immune activation.
A pro-inflammatory state of immune cells has been associated with schizophrenia
in previous studies. A chronic increased immune activation may be one of the
mechanisms explaining the relationship between migration and schizophrenia.
Study objective
To investigate if persistent pro-inflammatory changes in monocytes and T-cells
are associated with exposure to migration early in life, and if these changes
mediate the relationship between migration and schizophrenia.
Study design
Case control study. Activation of monocytes and T-cells is compared between
immigrants with schizophrenia, immigrants without schizophrenia, Dutch
schizophrenia patients en Dutch participants without schizophrenia. Fifty mls
of blood will be collected in all participants. Using quantitative PCR and FACS
analysis respetively, mRNA in monocytes and intracellular cytokines in T-cells
is measured. Migration history, other life events and (early) psychosocial
stress is assessed with self-report questionnaires. Mean level of mRNA and
cytokines is compared between groups, adjusted for medication use and other
experiences of stress.
Study burden and risks
There is one assessment, involving (extra) blood drawing of 50 ml and
completing of questionnaires.
Dr Molenwaterplein 50
3015 DR Rotterdam
NL
Dr Molenwaterplein 50
3015 DR Rotterdam
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Patients:
Group 1. 15 participants, born in or born from parents born in Morocco, Turkey, Surinam or the Netherlands Antilles, age at migration < 5 years for first generation immigrants, current age 18-40, diagnosis of DSM IV schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform disorder, use of antipsychotic medication for less than two years.
Group 2. Contrast patients: 15 participants, born in the Netherlands and both parents born in the Netherlands, other inclusion criteria as in group 1.;Controls:
Exposed controls: 15 participants, born in or born from parents born in Morocco, Turkey, Surinam or the Netherlands Antilles, age at migration < 5 years for first generation immigrants, current age 18-40, no history of psychotic disorder. Unexposed controls: 15 participants, born in the Netherlands and both parents born in the Netherlands, age 18-40, no history of psychotic disorder.
Exclusion criteria
Patients:
Diagnosis of DSM IV substance induced psychotic disorder, mood disorder with psychotic features, delusional disorder, psychotic disorder NOS or psychotic disorder due to a somatic condition; IQ lower than 70.;Controls:
History of psychotic disorder; IQ lower than 70.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL36416.078.11 |