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Although some lipids are known to have detrimental effects on human health -- such as high levels of cholesterol that lead to heart disease -- many lipids have positive effects on basic human functions, including communication among all the cells of the body. Scientists are still trying to sort out which of the lipids that are modified in schizophrenia are beneficial and which ones result in metabolic side effects.

"Clearly we need to put forth a major effort to link the changes in the blood to what happens in the brain," Kaddurah-Daouk said. "If we can apply these findings to the mysteries occurring in the brain, then perhaps we can finally unlock the secrets of these devastating diseases."

Kaddurah-Daouk believes that this and other studies that explore metabolism at the global level have the potential to greatly impact medical practice. Future experiments focused on correlating these lipid signatures with the clinical outcomes of patients could yield an important tool for designing the best treatment for each patient, Kaddurah-Daouk said.