OBJECTIVE: We aimed at reviewing about the influence of the inflammatory process in the genesis of schizophrenia. METHOD: A search for papers published in Lilacs and MedLine databases during the last 10 years until December 2009 was made using the terms "schizophrenia", "inflammation" and "oxidative stress". The papers concerning other pathophysiologic aspects of schizophrenia not exclusively related to psychiatry were excluded. RESULTS: Sixty-one articles were selected: twelve were involved the role of oxidative stress, nine dealt with changes in the immune system, and sixteen referred to prenatal infection as the trigger of schizophrenia. Seven articles showed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of antipsychotic drugs. CONCLUSION: The studies emphasized the importance of the mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, immunological system (interleukin, anti-inflammatory action of the antipsychotics) and infections in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. These findings are important for a better understanding and consequently the development of more specific and effective therapies for schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia; inflammation; oxidative stress; viral infection