Lower circulating levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in patients with schizophrenia

This study aimed at evaluating changes in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in patients with schizophrenia in comparison with controls. Plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7) and Ang II were assessed in 25 patients with schizophrenia and 20 controls. Patients with schizophrenia presented decreased levels of ACE compared to controls [median (25th–75th percentiles) = 434.79 (341.15–524.02) vs. 508.49 (396.34–608.72); p < 0.05]. No significant differences were found regarding ACE2, Ang-(1–7) and Ang II levels. There were no associations between the measured molecules and clinical parameters. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that the RAS is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.