EPP084 - Anandamide in First-Episode Psychosis: Associations with Symptoms and Inflammation
EPP084
Anandamide in First-Episode Psychosis: Associations with Symptoms and Inflammation
W. Ben Flah 1,*, R. Lansari 1, A. Kamoun 1, I. Ghazzani 1
1Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
Introduction: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe disorder with partially understood pathophysiology. The early stage is crucial for understanding pathogenic mechanisms and improving treatment strategies. Anandamide (AEA), a neurotransmitter of the endocannabinoid system, may be protective against psychosis.
Objectives: This study aimed to measure serum AEA levels in first-episode psychosis (FEP) at admission (T0) and remission (T1),compare them to healthy controls and explore clinical and inflammatory correlates of AEA levels
Methods: In a longitudinal observational study (Nov 2021–Dec 2023), 69 FEP patients and 74 controls underwent sociodemographic, clinical, psychometric assessment (PANSS, GAF, CGI, CAST) and blood tests (high sensitivity-CRP (hs-CRP), AEA, metabolic parameters).
Results: Patients were predominantly young, single men, with high unemployment; one-third used cannabis. At T0, AEA levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p=0.045) and remained stable at T1. AEA showed consistent negative correlations with all PANSS subscales (e.g., total PANSS at T0: r=-0.45, p<0.001; T1: r=-0.41, p=0.034),and CGI-severity scale (At T0: r=-0.316, p=0.008). Its elevation was independent of cannabis use, and its association with FEP persisted after adjustment (OR=3.54, 95% CI=1.32–9.46; p=0.012). A positive correlation with hs-CRP was observed at T0 (r=0.24, p=0.048), independent of other confounding factors such as smoking and metabolic parameters.
Conclusions: AEA is elevated in FEP, inversely associated with symptom severity and positively correlated with inflammation, suggesting a potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory role. The endocannabinoid system may represent a promising target for novel therapeutic strategies.
Disclosure of Interest: None Declared