Validation of candidate genes associated with cardiovascular risk factors in psychiatric patients.

The purpose of this study was to identify genetic variants predictive of cardiovascular risk factors in a psychiatric population treated with second generation antipsychotics (SGA). 924 patients undergoing treatment for severe mental illness at four US hospitals were genotyped at 1.2 million single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Relaxin polymorphisms associated with metabolic disturbance in patients treated with antipsychotics.

People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, with consequent elevated morbidity and mortality, largely due to cardiovascular disease. Metabolic disorders comprise obesity, dyslipidemia and elevated levels of triglycerides, hypertension, and disturbed insulin and glucose metabolism. The elevated risk of metabolic syndrome in individuals suffering from schizophrenia is believed to be multifactorial, related to a genetic predisposition, lifestyle characteristics and treatment with antipsychotic medications.

Association study of serotonergic gene variants with antipsychotic-induced adverse reactions.

Introduction: The products of the serotonin receptor genes are important targets for conventional and atypical antipsychotics, and may be relevant for antipsychotic activity and associated adverse reactions. It has been shown that the high potency at 5-HT2 receptors may also be associated with the production of moderate extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). In addition, serotonin neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system play an important role in eating behaviours, and are involved in the symptomatology related to the metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

Apolipoprotein-E gene variants associated with cardiovascular risk factors in antipsychotic recipients.

Interest exists in identifying the factors that specifically contribute to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease observed in psychiatric disease. The apolipoprotein-E (APOE) gene codes for a protein that has a key role in metabolism of cholesterol and triglycerides, with increased levels of apoE found in specific areas of post-mortem schizophrenic brains. This study investigated whether apoE variants influence the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, diabetes and dyslipidaemia), in patients receiving antipsychotic treatment, due to extension of the risk seen in the general population, but also due to the role of the APOE gene in mediating antipsychotic-induced side effects.