Zinc and fatty acids in depression.

Polyunsaturated Fatty acids (PUFAs) seem to be helpful in the therapy of depression. Zinc (Zn) may be one co-factor contributing to their antidepressive effect. Zn acts lipid protective and is a constituent of fatty acid metabolism enzymes.

The effect of chronic alcohol consumption on mitochondrial DNA mutagenesis in human blood.

The 4977bp deletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is known to accumulate with increasing age in post mitotic tissues. Recently, studies came out detecting this specific alteration also in fast replicating cells, e.g.

Borrelia burgdorferi central nervous system infection presenting as an organic schizophrenialike disorder.

Background: We report on a 42-year-old female patient who presented with a schizophreniform disorder and complete relief of symptoms after specific therapy.

Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid and magnetic resonance imaging findings led to the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Results: To our knowledge this is the first reported case with an exclusive psychiatric manifestation of Lyme disease.