S. A. Ivanova1, A. V. Semke, and O. Yu. Fedorenko
Mental Health Research Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
Received April 4, 2011
Abstract—Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is an important neurosteroid that has numerous func-
tions in the central nervous system. It may be involved in the pathophysiological processes in schizophrenia.
We investigated the serum DHEAS levels in 182 schizophrenic patients and related it to the duration of the
schizophrenia. We found that schizophrenic patients have lower serum DHEAS concentrations as compared to
healthy subjects. We also found sex-related differences in the serum DHEAS concentrations. Men have higher
DHEAS levels compared to women in both the healthy and schizophrenic groups. We found a correlation
between the illness duration and a decrease in the serum DHEAS concentrations in schizophrenic patients. The
decrease in the serum DHEAS concentrations in schizophrenic patients theoretically may contribute to a
dopaminergic and glutamatergic imbalance that leads the development of psychotic symptoms and cognitive
dysfunction.
Keywords: dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, schizophrenia
DOI: 10.1134/S1819712411040076
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