Gradual Increase in Inflammation-Linked Glycoproteins and a Proatherogenic Lipoprotein Profile in the Early Stages of Psychosis as Characterized by ¹H NMR Blood Analysis

Minimally invasive prognostic markersof inflammation and dyslipidemiain individuals with a risk of psychosis, also called "at-riskmental state" (ARMS), or in the first episode of psychosis(FEP) are of utmost clinical importance to prevent cardiovasculardisorders. We analyzed the plasma concentration of inflammation-linkedglycoproteins (Glycs) and lipoprotein subclasses by proton nuclearmagnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) in a single acquisition. Studyparticipants were healthy controls (HCs, N = 67) and patients withARMS (N = 58), FEP (N = 110), orearly psychosis diagnosis with & GE;2 episodes (critical period(CP), N = 53). Clinical biomarkers such as high-sensitivityC-reactive protein, interleukin 6, fibrinogen, insulin, and lipoproteinswere also measured. Although all participants had normal lipoproteinprofiles and no inflammation according to conventional biomarkers,a gradual increase in the Glyc H-1 NMR levels was observedfrom HCs to CP patients; this increase was statistically significantfor GlycA (CP vs HC). In parallel, a progressive and significant proatherogenic H-1 NMR lipoprotein profile was also identified across stagesof psychosis (ARMS and CP vs HC). These findings highlight the potentialof using H-1 NMR Glyc and lipoprotein profiling to identifyblood changes in individuals with ARMS or FEP and pave the way forapplications using this technology to monitor metabolic and cardiovascularrisks in clinical psychiatry.