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He Q, Li R, Zhong N, Ma J, Nie F, Zhang R. The role and molecular mechanisms of the early growth response 3 gene in schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2024; 195:e32969. [PMID: 38327141 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic, debilitating mental illness caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors play a major role in schizophrenia development. Early growth response 3 (EGR3) is a member of the EGR family, which is associated with schizophrenia. Accumulating studies have investigated the relationship between EGR3 and schizophrenia. However, the role of EGR3 in schizophrenia pathogenesis remains unclear. In the present review, we focus on the progress of research related to the role of EGR3 in schizophrenia, including association studies between EGR3 and schizophrenia, abnormal gene expressional analysis of EGR3 in schizophrenia, biological function studies of EGR3 in schizophrenia, the molecular regulatory mechanism of EGR3 and schizophrenia susceptibility candidate genes, and possible role of EGR3 in the immune system function in schizophrenia. In summary, EGR3 is a schizophrenia risk candidate factor and has comprehensive regulatory roles in schizophrenia pathogenesis. Further studies investigating the molecular mechanisms of EGR3 in schizophrenia are warranted for understanding the pathophysiology of this disorder as well as the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment and control of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi He
- School of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine, Shannxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruochun Li
- Department of Medical Technology, Guiyang Healthcare Vocational University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Nannan Zhong
- Department of Medical Technology, Guiyang Healthcare Vocational University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Electron Microscope, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fayi Nie
- School of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine, Shannxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Medical Technology, Guiyang Healthcare Vocational University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Hu S, Fei Y, Jin C, Yao J, Ding H, Wang J, Liu C. Ginsenoside Rd enhances blood-brain barrier integrity after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion by alleviating endothelial cells ferroptosis via activation of NRG1/ErbB4-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Neuropharmacology 2024; 251:109929. [PMID: 38521230 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of ischemic stroke is increasing year by year and showing a younger trend. Impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the pathological manifestations caused by cerebral ischemia, leading to poor prognosis of patients. Accumulating evidence indicates that ferroptosis is involved in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). We have previously demonstrated that Ginsenoside Rd (G-Rd) protects against CIRI-induced neuronal injury. However, whether G-Rd can attenuate CIRI-induced disruption of the BBB remains unclear. In this study, we found that G-Rd could upregulate the levels of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 in ipsilateral cerebral microvessels and bEnd.3 cells, reduce endothelial cells (ECs) loss and Evans blue (EB) leakage, and ultimately improve BBB integrity after CIRI. Interestingly, the expressions of ACSL4 and COX2 were upregulated, the expressions of GPX4 and xCT were downregulated, the levels of GSH was decreased, and the levels of MDA and Fe2+ were increased in ischemic tissues and bEnd.3 cells after CIRI, suggesting that ECs ferroptosis occurred after CIRI. However, G-Rd can alleviate CIRI-induced BBB disruption by inhibiting ECs ferroptosis. Mechanistically, G-Rd prevented tight junction loss and BBB leakage by upregulating NRG1, activating its tyrosine kinase ErbB4 receptor, and then activating downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, thereby inhibiting CIRI-induced ferroptosis in ECs. Taken together, these data provides data support for G-Rd as a promising therapeutic drug for cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Chenchen Jin
- School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jun Yao
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Active Components and Drug Release Technology, Urumqi, 830017, PR China
| | - Haiyan Ding
- College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830017, PR China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines Active Components and Drug Release Technology, Urumqi, 830017, PR China.
| | - Jianing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211100, PR China.
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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Wan C, Xia Y, Yan J, Lin W, Yao L, Zhang M, Gaisler-Salomon I, Mei L, Yin DM, Chen Y. nNOS in Erbb4-positive neurons regulates GABAergic transmission in mouse hippocampus. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:167. [PMID: 38396027 PMCID: PMC10891175 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS, gene name Nos1) orchestrates the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) within neurons, pivotal for diverse neural processes encompassing synaptic transmission, plasticity, neuronal excitability, learning, memory, and neurogenesis. Despite its significance, the precise regulation of nNOS activity across distinct neuronal types remains incompletely understood. Erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4), selectively expressed in GABAergic interneurons and activated by its ligand neuregulin 1 (NRG1), modulates GABA release in the brain. Our investigation reveals the presence of nNOS in a subset of GABAergic interneurons expressing ErbB4. Notably, NRG1 activates nNOS via ErbB4 and its downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), critical for NRG1-induced GABA release. Genetic removal of nNos from Erbb4-positive neurons impairs GABAergic transmission, partially rescued by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Intriguingly, the genetic deletion of nNos from Erbb4-positive neurons induces schizophrenia-relevant behavioral deficits, including hyperactivity, impaired sensorimotor gating, and deficient working memory and social interaction. These deficits are ameliorated by the atypical antipsychotic clozapine. This study underscores the role and regulation of nNOS within a specific subset of GABAergic interneurons, offering insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of schizophrenia, given the association of Nrg1, Erbb4, Pi3k, and Nos1 genes with this mental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofan Wan
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Health Science, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yucen Xia
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jinglan Yan
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Weipeng Lin
- Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University and School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Lin Yao
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Inna Gaisler-Salomon
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Lin Mei
- Chinese Institute for Medical Research, Beijing, 100069, China
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Dong-Min Yin
- Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University and School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Yun JH, Hong Y, Hong MH, Kim G, Lee JS, Woo RS, Lee J, Yang EJ, Kim IS. Anti-inflammatory effects of neuregulin-1 in HaCaT keratinocytes and atopic dermatitis-like mice stimulated with Der p 38. Cytokine 2024; 174:156439. [PMID: 38134557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Neuregulin (NRG)-1 plays fundamental roles in several organ systems after binding to its receptors, ErbB2 and ErbB4. This study examines the role of NRG-1 in atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic skin disease that causes dryness, pruritus, and inflammation. In mice administered Der p 38, the skin presents AD-like symptoms including filaggrin downregulation and infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils. Noticeably, there is an increased expression of NRG-1, ErbB2, and ErbB4 in the skin. Upregulation of these proteins is significantly correlated to the clinical skin severity score. In human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, exposure to Der p 38 decreased filaggrin expression, and NRG-1 alone had no effect on the expression. However, co-treatment of Der p 38 with NRG-1 enhanced the filaggrin expression decreased by Der p 38. Pre-treatment with AG879 (an ErbB2 inhibitor) or ErbB4 siRNA blocked the recovery of filaggrin expression in the cells after co-treatment with Der p 38 and NRG-1. Der p 38 treatment enhanced the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Co-treatment of Der p 38 with NRG-1 lowered the cytokine secretion increased by Der p 38, although NRG-1 alone was not effective on cytokine alteration. Neutrophil apoptosis was not altered by NRG-1 or supernatants of cells treated with NRG-1, but the cell supernatants co-treated with Der p 38 and NRG-1 blocked the anti-apoptotic effects of Der p 38-treated supernatants on neutrophils, which was involved in the activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3. Taken together, we determined that NRG-1 has anti-inflammatory effects in AD triggered by Der p 38. These results will pave the way to understanding the functions of NRG-1 and in the future development of AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hee Yun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Hong
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hwa Hong
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Geunyeong Kim
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Sook Lee
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Wonkwang Health Science University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Ran-Sook Woo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 34824, Republic of Korea
| | - Juram Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ju Yang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610, Republic of Korea.
| | - In Sik Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea; Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 11759, Republic of Korea.
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Chen Y, Guan W, Wang ML, Lin XY. PI3K-AKT/mTOR Signaling in Psychiatric Disorders: A Valuable Target to Stimulate or Suppress? Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 27:pyae010. [PMID: 38365306 PMCID: PMC10888523 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Economic development and increased stress have considerably increased the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in recent years, which rank as some of the most prevalent diseases globally. Several factors, including chronic social stress, genetic inheritance, and autogenous diseases, lead to the development and progression of psychiatric disorders. Clinical treatments for psychiatric disorders include psychotherapy, chemotherapy, and electric shock therapy. Although various achievements have been made researching psychiatric disorders, the pathogenesis of these diseases has not been fully understood yet, and serious adverse effects and resistance to antipsychotics are major obstacles to treating patients with psychiatric disorders. Recent studies have shown that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central signaling hub that functions in nerve growth, synapse formation, and plasticity. The PI3K-AKT/mTOR pathway is a critical target for mediating the rapid antidepressant effects of these pharmacological agents in clinical and preclinical research. Abnormal PI3K-AKT/mTOR signaling is closely associated with the pathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, we focused on the role of mTOR signaling and the related aberrant neurogenesis in psychiatric disorders. Elucidating the neurobiology of the PI3K-AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in psychiatric disorders and its actions in response to antidepressants will help us better understand brain development and quickly identify new therapeutic targets for the treatment of these mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei-Lan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Lin
- Department of Neurology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Afonin AM, Piironen AK, de Sousa Maciel I, Ivanova M, Alatalo A, Whipp AM, Pulkkinen L, Rose RJ, van Kamp I, Kaprio J, Kanninen KM. Proteomic insights into mental health status: plasma markers in young adults. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:55. [PMID: 38267423 PMCID: PMC10808121 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Global emphasis on enhancing prevention and treatment strategies necessitates an increased understanding of the biological mechanisms of psychopathology. Plasma proteomics is a powerful tool that has been applied in the context of specific mental disorders for biomarker identification. The p-factor, also known as the "general psychopathology factor", is a concept in psychopathology suggesting that there is a common underlying factor that contributes to the development of various forms of mental disorders. It has been proposed that the p-factor can be used to understand the overall mental health status of an individual. Here, we aimed to discover plasma proteins associated with the p-factor in 775 young adults in the FinnTwin12 cohort. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, 13 proteins with a significant connection with the p-factor were identified, 8 of which were linked to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. This exploratory study provides new insight into biological alterations associated with mental health status in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey M Afonin
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aino-Kaisa Piironen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Izaque de Sousa Maciel
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mariia Ivanova
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Arto Alatalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alyce M Whipp
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lea Pulkkinen
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Richard J Rose
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Irene van Kamp
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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Lv Y, Wen L, Hu WJ, Deng C, Ren HW, Bao YN, Su BW, Gao P, Man ZY, Luo YY, Li CJ, Xiang ZX, Wang B, Luan ZL. Schizophrenia in the genetic era: a review from development history, clinical features and genomic research approaches to insights of susceptibility genes. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:147-171. [PMID: 37542622 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a devastating neuropsychiatric disorder affecting 1% of the world population and ranks as one of the disorders providing the most severe burden for society. Schizophrenia etiology remains obscure involving multi-risk factors, such as genetic, environmental, nutritional, and developmental factors. Complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. This review provides an overview of the historical origins, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, clinical symptoms and corresponding treatment of schizophrenia. In addition, as schizophrenia is a polygenic, genetic disorder caused by the combined action of multiple micro-effective genes, we further detail several approaches, such as candidate gene association study (CGAS) and genome-wide association study (GWAS), which are commonly used in schizophrenia genomics studies. A number of GWASs about schizophrenia have been performed with the hope to identify novel, consistent and influential risk genetic factors. Finally, some schizophrenia susceptibility genes have been identified and reported in recent years and their biological functions are also listed. This review may serve as a summary of past research on schizophrenia genomics and susceptibility genes (NRG1, DISC1, RELN, BDNF, MSI2), which may point the way to future schizophrenia genetics research. In addition, depending on the above discovery of susceptibility genes and their exact function, the development and application of antipsychotic drugs will be promoted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lv
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lin Wen
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Wen-Juan Hu
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Chong Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Hui-Wen Ren
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ya-Nan Bao
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Bo-Wei Su
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ping Gao
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zi-Yue Man
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yi-Yang Luo
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Cheng-Jie Li
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Xiang
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Central hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116000, China.
| | - Zhi-Lin Luan
- Advanced Institute for Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Li S, Lu C, Kang L, Li Q, Chen H, Zhang H, Tang Z, Lin Y, Bai M, Xiong P. Study on correlations of BDNF, PI3K, AKT and CREB levels with depressive emotion and impulsive behaviors in drug-naïve patients with first-episode schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:225. [PMID: 37013544 PMCID: PMC10071748 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04718-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of schizophrenia is still unknown. Nearly a half of schizophrenic patients have depressive symptoms and even some impulsive behaviors. The definite diagnosis of schizophrenia is an immense challenge. Molecular biology plays an essential role in the research on the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE This study aims to analyze the correlations of serum protein factor levels with depressive emotion and impulsive behaviors in drug-naïve patients with first-episode schizophrenia. METHODS Seventy drug-naïve patients with first-episode schizophrenia and sixty-nine healthy volunteers from the health check center in the same period participated in this study. In both the patient group and control group, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphatidylin-ositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) levels in the peripheral blood were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The depressive emotion and impulsive behaviors were evaluated with Chinese versions of the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (S-UPPS-P), respectively. RESULTS The serum levels of BDNF, PI3K, and CREB in the patient group were lower than those in the control group, while AKT level, total CDSS score and total S-UPPS-P score were all higher. In the patient group, total CDSS score, and total S-UPPS-P score were both correlated negatively with BDNF, PI3K, and CREB levels but positively with AKT level, and the lack-of-premeditation (PR) sub-scale score was not significantly correlated with BDNF, PI3K, AKT, and CREB levels. CONCLUSION Our study results showed that the peripheral blood levels of BDNF, PI3K, AKT, and CREB in drug-naïve patients with first-episode schizophrenia were significantly different from those in the control group. The levels of these serum protein factors are promising biomarkers to predict schizophrenic depression and impulsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Cailian Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lin Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ziling Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yanwen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Meiyan Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Peng Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
- Yunnan Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
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