Evaluation of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Schizophrenic Patients in Iraq

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder with abnormality in social behaviour and failure to understand what is real. It has been found that approximately 1% of the population worldwide is affected with schizophrenia. Although several studies have been conducted to assess and try to early detection of schizophrenia, however most of these studies still deficient. Therefore, this study was design to investigate and evaluate the expected association between the levels of trace elements (Se, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Mn, Mg, Pb, Co, Fe and Al) and the risk of schizophrenia. Levels of these elements were determined in sera of 60 patients with schizophrenia using atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique and the alterations of these critical variables were analyzed in comparison with 60 healthy controls to try prediction of the occurrence and progression of disease. The results obtained showed a significant increase in the levels of Se, Cu, Ni, Cr and Mn, in contrast to significant decrease in the levels of Zn, Mg, Pb, Co and Al in schizophrenic patients compared to the healthy control group. The data analysis revealed the presence of valuable correlations between most of elements in schizophrenic patients. According to the finding of the present work, it can be suggested that these elements may have a vital role and prognostic significance in complex disorders leading to schizophrenia. The real mechanism responsible for the alterations in elements levels in patients with schizophrenia is unclear and requires additional evaluation. Therefore, further universal studies are wanted in order to advance understanding of the relationship between trace elements and their role in schizophrenia.