"homozygosity for the Val-COMPT allele (the gene encoding catechol-0-methyltransferase); the GSTMI*0 allele (a catalyst for adrenochrome); MTHFR C677TT (which reduces the metabolism of homocysteine) and a variant of the Nogo gene (with three extra chemical bases, known as CAA)."

"The current evidence suggests that there are probably four genetic variants that are abnormally common in the schizophrenic population. The first of these discussed in the fourth chapter is a low activity form of the gene which codes for catechol- O-methyltransferase. (COMT - rjs) This enzyme converts epinephrine (adrenaline) to the inactive metabolite metanephrine. Since this process is inefficient in many schizophrenics, it is likely 177 that more adrenaline than normal is oxidized to adrenochrome and its derivatives."

"There is also a particular variant of the glutathione-S-transferase (GSTM1) gene that commonly occurs in schizophrenics. This allele encourages strong catalytic activity for adrenochrome, ensuring that high levels of this adrenaline metabolite occur in the brains of those who carry this variant."

(See also "Glutathione S-transferase M1 Gene Deletion May Be Associated with Susceptibility to Certain Forms of Schizophrenia")

"There appears to be a third genetic aberration that is abnormally common in schizophrenia. Many schizophrenics seem to carry a variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR specifically MTHFR C677T and C677TT) gene that reduces their ability to metabolize homocysteine effectively. This variant obviously causes severe biochemical abnormalities, including elevated homocysteine and depressed methionine. The effects of these imbalances and associated biochemical cascades that they must cause on brain adrenochrome levels is, as yet, unclear. However, animal experiments suggest that methionine decreases brain adrenochrome. If this is correct, this variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene must increase this hallucinogenic indole."

"Recent work also has suggested that some schizophrenics have a variant Nogo gene which overproduces proteins that may reduce the number of nerve endings in regions of the brain linked to schizophrenia. If this is the case, this variant gene may make some individuals more susceptible to damage from adrenochrome and its derivatives."