The immune-stress/endocrine-redox-metabolic nature of psychosis' etiopathology; focus on the intersystemic pathways interactions

Neurosci Lett. 2023 Jan 18:794:137011. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.137011. Epub 2022 Dec 10.

Abstract

The evidence supporting the involvement of a number of systems in the neurobiological etiopathology of psychosis has recently grown exponentially. Indeed, the focus of research has changed from measuring solely neurotransmitters to estimating parameters from fields like immunity, stress/endocrine, redox, and metabolism. Yet, little is known regarding the exact role of each one of these fields on the formation of not only the brain neuropathological substrate in psychosis but also the associated general systemic pathology, in terms of causality directions. Research has shown deviations in the levels and/or function of basic effector molecules of the aforementioned fields namely cytokines, pro-/anti- oxidants, glucocorticoids, catecholamines, glucose, and lipids metabolites as well as kynurenines, in psychosis. Yet the evidence regarding their impact on neurotransmitters is minimal and the findings concerning these systems' interactions in the psychotic context are even more dispersed. The present review aims to draw holistically the frame of the hitherto known "players" in the field of psychosis' cellular pathobiology, with a particular focus on their in-between interactions.

Keywords: HPA axis; Immune; Interactions; Metabolism; Psychosis; Redox.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / metabolism
  • Endocrine System
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Humans
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Psychotic Disorders* / etiology
  • Psychotic Disorders* / metabolism

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids