Relationship between Serum Homocysteine and Metabolic Syndrome among Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Cross Sectional Study

This study aimed to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia and to specify predictors of the metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

This cross sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with schizophrenia and 100 patients with bipolar disorder. The participants' metabolic syndrome was determined according to the criteria set by Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III. Hyperhomocysteinemia was considered as homocysteine levels higher than 15 µmol/L. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, student t test, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was not significantly different (P = 0.07) between patients with schizophrenia (27%) and bipolar disorder (39%). No statistically significant difference (P = 0.17) was observed between patients with schizophrenia (82%) and bipolar disorder (74%) in the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia. The results of multivariable logistic regression model showed a significant association of smoking and BMI with metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.13-12.05, and OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.20-1.60, respectively). In patients with bipolar disorder, BMI was a significant predictor of developing metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.14-1.47). Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in women than in men in both diagnostic groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in hyperhomocysteinemia prevalence between male and female patients with schizophrenia (P = 1.00). However, hyperhomocysteinemia was more prevalent in males than in females among patients with bipolar disorder (P = 0.001).

Findings showed a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. To deal with this problem, regular monitoring and conducting early interventions are recommended to determine the metabolic risk profile and to prevent the cardiovascular diseases.