Family association study of Transforming Growth Factor Beta1 gene polymorphisms in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness with chronic symptoms and significant impairment in psychosocial functioning. An etiopathological role for immunologic abnormalities in schizophrenia was hypothesized. Inflammatory markers are well-known etiological factors for psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Several studies have investigated the possible effects of antipsychotics on inflammation and neurogenesis. Additionally, antiinflammatory adjuvant therapy has been under investigation as a treatment option for schizophrenia. Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFB1) signaling is critical for many biological processes, including proliferation, development, differentiation and regeneration. Multiple members of the TGFB1 superfamily play a role in the developing nervous system and are regulated by neuronal activity. We conducted family-based study to assess whether TGFB1 gene is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia in Polish population.