Published online Dec 19, 2021. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i12.1177
Peer-review started: February 4, 2021
First decision: April 21, 2021
Revised: April 30, 2021
Accepted: November 18, 2021
Article in press: November 18, 2021
Published online: December 19, 2021
Processing time: 313 Days and 23.1 Hours
Polyamines play preeminent roles in a variety of cellular functions in the central nervous system and other organs. A large body of evidence suggests that the polyamine pathway is prominently involved in the etiology and pathology of schizophrenia. Alterations in the expression and activity of polyamine metabolizing enzymes, as well as changes in the levels of the individual polyamines, their precursors and derivatives, have been measured in schizophrenia and animal models of the disease. Additionally, neuroleptic treatment has been shown to influence polyamine concentrations in brain and blood of individuals with schizophrenia. Thus, the polyamine system may appear to be a promising target for neuropharmacological treatment of schizophrenia. However, for a number of practical reasons there is currently only limited hope for a polyamine-based schizophrenia therapy.
Core Tip: This review summarizes the advancements in research on the implications of polyamines and their metabolites for schizophrenia. Evidence from clinical and experimental studies show that some members of the polyamine regulatory system are altered in schizophrenia, but no polyamine-based therapy for schizophrenia is currently available.