LONDON: Researchers in the United Kingdom have identified a link between inflammation and the structure of specific brain regions, which could aid in the treatment of neuro-developmental psychiatric diseases such as autism and schizophrenia.

The findings, according to the study, could open up a whole new target for pharmacological treatment of these diseases, which has remained mostly unchanged since the discovery of antipsychotic drugs in the mid-late twentieth century.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham found that genes connected to inflammation, specifically interleukin (IL) 6, are linked to a decrease in grey matter volume in some brain areas linked to neuropsychiatric illnesses.

The researchers were able to correlate changes in grey matter volume in specific parts of the brain with genetic variations that alter levels of IL-6 and other inflammatory genes in over 20,000 patients.  They were able to demonstrate robust connections between IL-6 and brain anatomy, especially in the temporal and frontal areas.

Using the Allen Human Brain Atlas, researchers discovered that genes over-expressed in these locations are linked to epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and schizophrenia.

"This research reveals that the IL-6 gene, which has been linked to systemic inflammation, has an effect on brain structure in areas linked to neuropsychiatric illnesses. This could be the first time in more over 60 years that a new target for serious mental diseases like schizophrenia has been discovered "Professor Rachel Upthegrove of the University's Institute for Mental Health explained the situation.

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