Metabolomics in patients with psychosis: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#3-hydroxybutyric-acid #aspartic-acid #biomarkers #bipolar-disorder #creatine

Metabolomics in patients with psychosis: A systematic review

Li et al., 2018 | Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet | Systematic Review

Citation

Li Christopher, Wang Aviva, ... Trakadis Yannis. Metabolomics in patients with psychosis: A systematic review. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2018-Sep;177(6):580-588. doi:10.1002/ajmg.b.32662

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of metabolomics studies for psychosis, as a means of biomarker discovery. Manuscripts were selected for review if they involved discovery of metabolites using high-throughput analysis in human subjects and were published in the last decade. The metabolites identified were searched in Human Metabolome Data Base (HMDB) for a link to psychosis. Metabolites associated with psychosis based on evidence in HMBD were then searched using PubMed to explore the availability of further evidence. Almost all of the studies which underwent full review involved patients with schizophrenia. Ten biomarkers were identified. Six of them were reported in two or more independent metabolomics studies: N-acetyl aspartate, lactate, tryptophan, kynurenine, glutamate, and creatine. Four additional metabolites were encountered in a single metabolomics study but had significant evidence (two supporting articles or more) for a link to psychosis based on PubMed: linoleic acid, D-serine, glutathione, and 3-hydroxybutyrate. The pathways affected are discussed as they may be relevant to the pathophysiology of psychosis, and specifically of schizophrenia, as well as, constitute new drug targets for treatment of related conditions. Based on the biomarkers identified, early diagnosis of schizophrenia and/or monitoring may be possible.

Key Findings

Based on the biomarkers identified, early diagnosis of schizophrenia and/or monitoring may be possible.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population schizophrenia
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Biomarkers
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Creatine
  • Female
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Glutathione
  • Humans
  • Kynurenine
  • Lactic Acid
  • Linoleic Acid
  • Male
  • Metabolome
  • Metabolomics
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Serine
  • Tryptophan

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09