A possible role for sarcosine in the management of schizophrenia

Curtis D (2019) Brit J Psychiat 2019 Sep; DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2019.194

Web URL: Read the research on cambridge.org here

Abstract:

Sarcosine, which is freely sold as a dietary supplement, has pharmacological activity to boost functioning of the glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and hence it is a biologically rational treatment for schizophrenia. The small number of studies carried out to date provide some evidence for its efficacy and psychiatrists could consider suggesting its use to their patients.

As summarised recently, there is convergent and compelling evidence from pharmacological, autoimmune and genetic studies that impaired functioning of the glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) can produce psychotic symptoms and is sometimes involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. As well as binding glutamate, NMDAR possesses a modulatory site at which glycine acts as a co-agonist. Thus, this site represents a rational therapeutic target for the treatment of schizophrenia.

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

See the associated news article:

Dietary supplement may help with schizophrenia

< Currie et al., 2015 - Maternal long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in infancy increases length- and weight-for-age but not BMI to 6 years when controlling for effects of maternal smoking

Cyhlarova et al 2007 - Membrane fatty acids, reading and spelling in dyslexic and non-dyslexic adults. >

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