Genetic variant near cytosolic phospholipase A2 associated with schizophrenia.

Two studies were undertaken to determine a possible genetic basis for alterations in phospholipid metabolism in schizophrenia. Initial results demonstrated an association in 65 schizophrenics compared with a matched normal control population. A follow-up haplotype relative risk study of 44 triads (mother, father, affected offspring), confirmed the results seen in the association study. Results suggest that a genetic variant near the promotor region of the gene for cytosolic phospholipase A2, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachindonic acid, is associated with schizophrenia.