Genetic association studies of antioxidant pathway genes and schizophrenia.

The endogenous production of highly reactive oxidation species is an inherent by-product of cellular energy metabolism. Cellular antioxidant defense systems (AODS) comprising various antioxidants counter these damaging effects. Several lines of evidence, including postmortem studies, suggest increased oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia. Some genetic association studies and gene-expression studies suggest that patients also may have altered ability to mount antioxidative mechanisms. As the genetic associations may provide etiologic evidence in support of the oxidative-stress hypothesis of schizophrenia, a focused review has been conducted. We also suggest avenues for further research.