A Twin Study of Genetic Contributions to Hippocampal Morphology in Schizophrenia

A Twin Study of Genetic Contributions to Hippocampal Morphology in Schizophrenia

Blog Article

Our goal was to establish whether altered hippocampal morphology represents a trait marker for genetic vulnerability in schizophrenia.We outlined the hippocampi on high-resolution MR images obtained from matched samples of control and discordant monozygotic and dizygotic co-twins (N = 40 pairs).Hippocampal measures were used in statistical tests specifically designed to identify disease-associated genetic and nongenetic influences on morphology.3D surface average maps Ki003 of the hippocampus were additionally compared in biological risk groups.Smaller hippocampal volumes were confirmed in schizophrenia.

Dizygotic affected co-twins showed smaller left hippocampi compared to their healthy siblings.Disease-associated effects were not present between monozygotic discordant co-twins.Monozygotic, but not dizygotic, Candlestick Holder unaffected co-twins exhibited smaller left hippocampi compared to control twins, supporting genetic influences.Surface areas and posterior volumes similarly revealed schizophrenia and genetic liability effects.Results suggest that hippocampal volume reduction may be a trait marker for identifying individuals possessing a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia.