Plasma α 1,3-fucosyltransferase deficiency in schizophrenia

Levels of plasma alpha 1,3-fucosyltransferase (alpha 1,3FT) were assayed in 44 patients with schizophrenia and in 50 healthy controls. Significantly reduced enzyme activities were observed in patients (p < 0.05) and 4 unrelated patients were found, for the fi rst time in Japan, to be deficient in the enzyme activity. Two point mutations in the coding region of the FUT6 gene encoding plasma alpha 1,3FT that were responsible for the inactivation of the enzyme activity were detected in those patients. Genotyping of the Le gene (FUT3) in these patients demonstrated that 2 of them were also FUT3 deficient and were grouped as Lewis-individuals whereas the rest were Lewis+.