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White matter integrity in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis: a systematic review and discussion of the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Source :
- BMC Psychiatry
- Publication Year :
- 2016
- Publisher :
- BioMed Central, 2016.
-
Abstract
- Background Schizophrenia is thought to be a neurodevelopmental disorder with pathophysiological processes beginning in the brain prior to the emergence of clinical symptoms. Recent evidence from neuroimaging studies using techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging has identified white matter abnormalities that are suggestive of disrupted brain myelination and neuronal connectivity. Identifying whether such effects exist in individuals at high risk for developing psychosis may help with prevention and early intervention strategies. In addition, there is preliminary evidence for a role of lipid biology in the onset of psychosis, along with well-established evidence of its role in myelination of white matter tracts. As such, this article synthesises the literature on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in myelination and schizophrenia, hypothesizing that white matter abnormalities may potentially mediate the relationship between PUFAs and schizophrenia. Methods Diffusion tensor imaging studies were identified through a systematic search of existing literature. Studies examined white matter integrity in ultra-high risk (UHR) samples, as assessed using structured diagnostic interviews. Data was extracted and summarised as a narrative review. Results Twelve studies met inclusion criteria, and findings identified reduced fractional anisotropy and higher diffusivity. Although the exact location of abnormalities remains uncertain, fronto-temporal and fronto-limbic connections, including the superior longitudinal and uncinate fasiculus, cingulum, and corpus callosum appear to be implicated. Because of preliminary evidence suggesting lipid biology may be relevant for the onset of psychosis, a discussion is provided of the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in myelination and risk for psychosis. Conclusions While the function of PUFAs in myelination is well-established, there is growing evidence of reduced PUFA concentration in UHR samples, highlighting the need for research to examine the relationship between PUFA and white matter integrity in high-risk samples and age-matched healthy controls. Such investigations will help to better understand the pathophysiology of the disorder, and potentially assist in the development of novel treatment and early intervention strategies.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
Psychosis
Ultra-high risk
Youth
Corpus callosum
Nerve Fibers, Myelinated
White matter
Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Neurodevelopmental disorder
Fractional anisotropy
medicine
Humans
10. No inequality
chemistry.chemical_classification
medicine.disease
030227 psychiatry
3. Good health
Psychiatry and Mental health
medicine.anatomical_structure
Diffusion Tensor Imaging
chemistry
Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
Polyunsaturated fatty acids
Female
Nervous System Diseases
Psychology
Neuroscience
030217 neurology & neurosurgery
Diffusion MRI
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Research Article
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1471244X
- Volume :
- 16
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- BMC Psychiatry
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....fdf83d7a1aaf4ff0ec75a854d3d4f7d1