Gray Matter Iron and Neuromelanin in Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of MRI Studies

The authors aimed to clarify the relationship between brain iron and neuromelanin alterations in individuals with psychosis through a systematic review and meta-analysis of MRI studies. They found that patients with psychosis exhibited lower iron-sensitive MRI values in subcortical regions, particularly the substantia nigra, alongside higher neuromelanin-sensitive MRI values, suggesting a complex interplay between iron levels and neuromelanin in dopamine neurons. The study highlights the potential influence of antipsychotic medication on these findings and emphasizes the need for further longitudinal research to explore the underlying mechanisms.