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Biswas T, Nath S, Mishra BR. Childhood gratification syndrome: Demystifying the clinical conundrum with a narrative literature review of the past 5 decades. Indian J Psychiatry 2024; 66:516-527. [PMID: 39100367 PMCID: PMC11293787 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_46_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood gratification syndrome (CGS) refers to self-stimulatory or masturbatory behaviors in children, which may have an onset as early as in infancy (IGS). Aim The aim of this review is to understand the various clinical manifestations of CGS/IGS and their clinical differentiation from commonly misdiagnosed neurological and physical illnesses and to formulate a preliminary approach to their diagnosis and management. Methods This narrative review is based on a search of literature over the past 50 years (1972-2022) in three online databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar). Results The behaviors are episodic, occurring for brief periods, involving posturing, stereotypical limb movements, pubic pressure with autonomic hyperactivity, and postepisodic lethargy. They mimic seizures, movement disorders, abdominal pain, and tics. The paper also highlights the gap in the current knowledge to guide future research in the area. CGS usually represents nonpathological "pleasure-seeking" habits of childhood, but at times, it may become problematic for the child and his family. A careful history and videotape analysis of the events confirms the diagnosis and behavioral therapy with parental reassurance as the mainstay of treatment. Conclusion A better understanding and clinical awareness of the CGS are necessary to prevent misdiagnosis and delay in appropriate intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tathagata Biswas
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Santanu Nath
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| | - Biswa Ranjan Mishra
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Penadés R, Almodóvar-Payá C, García-Rizo C, Ruíz V, Catalán R, Valero S, Wykes T, Fatjó-Vilas M, Arias B. Changes in BDNF methylation patterns after cognitive remediation therapy in schizophrenia: A randomized and controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:166-174. [PMID: 38537483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.014] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Although cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) produces cognitive benefits in schizophrenia, we do not yet understand whether molecular changes are associated with this cognitive improvement. A gene central to synaptic plasticity, the BDNF, has been proposed as one potential route. This study assesses whether BDNF methylation changes following CRT-produced cognitive improvement are detected. A randomized and controlled trial was performed with two groups (CRT, n = 40; TAU: Treatment as Usual, n = 20) on a sample of participants with schizophrenia. CRT was delivered by trained therapists using a web-based computerized program. Mixed Models, where the interaction of treatment (CRT, TAU) by time (T0: 0 weeks, T1: 16 weeks) was the main effect were used. Then, we tested the association between the treatment and methylation changes in three CpG islands of the BDNF gene. CRT group showed significant improvements in some cognitive domains. Between-groups differential changes in 5 CpG units over time were found, 4 in island 1 (CpG1.2, CpG1.7, CpG1.10, CpG1.17) and 1 in island 3 (CpG3.2). CRT group showed increases in methylation in CpG1.2, CpG1.7 and decreases in pG1.10, CpG1.17, and CpG3.2. Differences in the degree of methylation were associated with changes in Speed of Processing, Working Memory, and Verbal Learning within the CRT group. Those findings provide new data on the relationship between cognitive improvement and changes in peripheral methylation levels of BDNF gene, a key factor involved in neuroplasticity regulation. Trial Registration: NCT04278027.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Penadés
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Almodóvar-Payá
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clemente García-Rizo
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Ruíz
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Catalán
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Valero
- ACE Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Til Wykes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mar Fatjó-Vilas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bárbara Arias
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
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Zou Y, Zhang Y, Tu M, Ye Y, Li M, Ran R, Zou Z. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels across psychiatric disorders: A systemic review and network meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110954. [PMID: 38286331 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110954] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
As an important neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system, Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders in many studies. However, its value as a biomarker for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mental disorders is still controversial, and its change patterns among different mental disorders have not been compared. We conducted a network meta-analysis of BDNF levels in different psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia(SCZ), major depressive disorder(MDD), bipolar disorder(BD), panic disorder(PD), post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD), generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) and insomnia. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases through 31/05/2023. BDNF levels decreased in patients with BD, MDD, OCD, PD, SCZ compared with controls, while significantly increased in patients with PTSD. According to the network meta-analysis, BDNF levels were significantly decreased in MDD and SCZ compared with BD (-2.6, 95% CIs [-5.32 to -0.15] and - 2.68 95% CIs [-5.18 to -0.23] respectively). However, in the traditional meta-analysis, there was a trend towards lower BDNF levels in SCZ compared to BD, with no significant difference (SMD = -0.20, 95% CIs [-0.49 to 0.08]). In conclusion, abnormal BDNF levels have been found in psychiatric disorders, and the changes in peripheral BDNF levels in patients with psychiatric disorders were reconfirmed in this study, which suggests BDNF exhibits promising clinical utility and may hold diagnostic value in distinguishing between MDD and BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhu Zou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengtian Tu
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Ye
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingmei Li
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rongting Ran
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhili Zou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of psychosomatic medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Shafiee A, Beiky M, Mohammadi I, Rajai S, Jafarabady K, Moradi S, Beikmohamadi M, Teixeira AL. Effect of smoking on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) blood levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 349:525-533. [PMID: 38199418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.082] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a crucial role in neuronal survival and plasticity. Previous studies have suggested that smoking may influence BDNF levels, but the findings have been inconsistent. METHODS A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were applied to select studies that investigated the relationship between smoking and blood levels of BDNF. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall effect size. RESULTS A total of 23 studies were included. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between smoking and increased blood levels of BDNF (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.38, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.15 to 0.62, p = 0.002). Subgroup analyses based on BDNF source showed a significant increase in plasma-derived BDNF levels (SMD = 1.02, 95 % CI 0.50 to 1.53, p = 0.0001), while no significant difference was observed in serum-derived BDNF levels (SMD = 0.02, 95 % CI -0.19 to 0.22, p = 0.87). The pooled analysis revealed a non-significant difference in blood levels of BDNF between former smokers and non-smokers (random-effects model, SMD = 0.21, 95 % CI -0.04 to 0.46, p = 0.1). CONCLUSION Smokers exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of BDNF compared to non-smokers. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the potential therapeutic implications of targeting BDNF in smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Shafiee
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran; Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Maryam Beiky
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ida Mohammadi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahryar Rajai
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kyana Jafarabady
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Shayan Moradi
- School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Beikmohamadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Antonio Lucio Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Shafiee A, Rafiei MA, Jafarabady K, Eskandari A, Abhari FS, Sattari MA, Amini MJ, Bakhtiyari M. Effect of cannabis use on blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3340. [PMID: 38376038 PMCID: PMC10757895 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3340] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of cannabis uses on blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) remains uncertain, with conflicting findings reported in the literature. BDNF and NGF both are essential proteins for neuron's growth, and their dysregulation is seen in various mental disorders. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between cannabis usage and BDNF and NGF levels due to their potential implications for mental health. METHODS A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed using appropriate MeSH terms and keywords. Inclusion criteria comprised human studies investigating the relationship between cannabis use and BDNF and NGF levels. RESULTS A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. The pooled analysis revealed a nonsignificant association between cannabis use and dysregulated blood levels of BDNF (random-effects model, standardized mean differences [SMD] = .26, 95% CI -.34 to .76, p = .40). The results of our subgroup analysis based on BDNF source showed a nonsignificant between-group difference. For NGF levels, four studies were included, the pooled analysis revealed a nonsignificant association between cannabis use and dysregulated blood levels of NGF (random-effects model, SMD = -.60, 95% CI -1.43 to -.23, p = .16). In both analyses, high heterogeneity was observed among the included studies which is a notable limitation to current meta-analysis. CONCLUSION This systematic review highlights the need for further research to elucidate the relationship between cannabis use and these neurotrophic factors. A better understanding of these associations can contribute to our knowledge of the neurobiological effects of cannabis and inform potential implications for mental health, cognitive function, and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Shafiee
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental HealthAlborz University of Medical SciencesKarajIran
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineAlborz University of Medical SciencesKarajIran
| | | | - Kyana Jafarabady
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineAlborz University of Medical SciencesKarajIran
| | - Alireza Eskandari
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineAlborz University of Medical SciencesKarajIran
| | | | - Mohammad Amin Sattari
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental HealthAlborz University of Medical SciencesKarajIran
| | - Mohammad Javad Amini
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineAlborz University of Medical SciencesKarajIran
| | - Mahmood Bakhtiyari
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental HealthAlborz University of Medical SciencesKarajIran
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Zakowicz P, Skibińska M, Waśniewski F, Skulimowski B, Pawlak J. Plasma biomarkers in adolescents with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. Early Interv Psychiatry 2023; 17:1154-1161. [PMID: 37041682 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13414] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM Schizophrenia onset in the developmental age has a strong neurodevelopmental burden and is associated with a poorer prognosis. The approach to diagnosis is still based on symptomatic description without objective validation. In this study, we aimed to compare the peripheral blood levels of hypothesized biomarker proteins: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR ) and S100B between early-onset schizophrenia-spectrum adolescents (n = 45) and healthy controls (n = 34). METHODS Clinical assessment of the participants encompassed symptomatic description with the use of structured interviews and executive function objective measurement. Plasma levels of BDNF protein were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients than in controls both at admission (p = .003) and 6-8 weeks follow-up (p = .007). RESULTS We observed significant correlations between BDNF, proBDNF and p75NTR levels and positive and negative symptoms scale (PANSS) scores, p75NTR and S100B levels and suicidal parameters, as well as a correlation of BDNF plasma level with the risky decision-making style in Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate a potential value of studied proteins as a biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease's course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Zakowicz
- Department of Genetics in Psychiatry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Children and Adolescent Treatment Centre in Zabór, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Maria Skibińska
- Department of Genetics in Psychiatry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Filip Waśniewski
- Department of Genetics in Psychiatry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Bartosz Skulimowski
- Department of Genetics in Psychiatry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Joanna Pawlak
- Department of Genetics in Psychiatry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Li G, Lu C, Li S, Kang L, Li Q, Bai M, Xiong P. Correlation study of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, EEG γ activity and cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia. Brain Res 2023; 1820:148561. [PMID: 37657750 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is characterised by neurotrophic, neuroelectrophysiological and cognitive dysfunction. However, there exists a paucity of research examining the association between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration, resting electroencephalogram (EEG) gamma activity, and cognitive impairment in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. METHODS In this study, 87 first-episode schizophrenia patients and 75 healthy controls were assessed. Measurements were conducted to determine the levels of BDNF, resting EEG γ-activity at left and right frontal pole EEG electrodes respectively (FP1/FP2) leads, and cognitive function as assessed by the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Comparisons were made between the patient group and the control group, revealing lower BDNF levels, lower T-scores for 7 MCCB cognitive items, and higher EEG γ-activity among patients when compared to controls. RESULTS According to the correlation analysis, there were significant associations observed in the patient group. BDNF levels were found to be correlated with EEG γ activity as well as T-scores of speed of processing (SoP), verbal learning (VeL), and reasoning problem-solving (RPS). Moreover, EEG γ activity showed an association with both the total score of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and T-score of SoP. These findings suggest a potential relationship between BDNF levels, EEG γ activity, cognitive domains, and clinical symptoms in individuals with first-episode schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the coexistence of neurobiochemical and electrophysiological abnormalities alongside cognitive dysfunction during the early stages of schizophrenia. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanism of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. By highlighting the simultaneous occurrence of these factors, our study contributes to a better understanding of the complex nature of schizophrenia and emphasizes the importance of studying its cognitive aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Department of Psychiatry, Yunnan Psychiatric Hospital, No. 733, Chuanjin Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650225, China
| | - Cailian Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Lin Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Meiyan Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Peng Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China; Yunnan Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, No. 295, Xichang Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China.
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Bang-Kittilsen G, Egeland J, Ueland T, Andersen E, Bigseth TT, Holmen TL, Mordal J, Holst R, Engh JA. The relationship between the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurocognitive response to physical exercise in individuals with schizophrenia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 157:106356. [PMID: 37562099 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physical exercise can improve neurocognition in individuals with schizophrenia, presumably by facilitating neuroplasticity. There is, however, large inter-individual variation in response. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been proposed to mediate these effects. The current aim was to investigate the sparsely studied relationship between peripheral resting BDNF and neurocognitive response to physical exercise in individuals with schizophrenia. METHOD The current study reports secondary analyses of data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT), ClinicalTrials.gov number 02205684, recently reported according to the CONSORT guidelines. Eighty-two individuals with schizophrenia (mean age 37 ± 14 years old, 61% men) were randomly allocated to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or a comparison group performing low-intensity active video gaming (AVG). Both interventions consisted of 2 sessions/week for 12 weeks. In previously published primary RCT analyses, HIIT and AVG showed comparable small to moderate improvements in neurocognition. We now address the inter-individual variability in neurocognitive response. We apply mediation and moderation analyses for repeated measures designs (MEMORE) and mixed effects models. RESULTS Baseline neurocognition was not significantly correlated with baseline levels of mature BDNF (baseline-mBDNF) or the precursor proBDNF. Nonetheless, baseline-mBDNF, but not baseline proBDNF, moderated the effect of exercise on neurocognition (p = 0.025) and explained 7% of the variance. The neurocognitive improvement increased with increasing baseline-mBDNF values. The moderating effect of baseline-mBDNF remained significant in a more complex model adding the moderating effects of exercise mode, sex, age, duration of illness and baseline VO2max on the outcome (neurocognition). Mean baseline-mBDNF significantly decreased from baseline to post-intervention (p = 0.036), regardless of exercise mode, differing by sex and associated with improved VO2max but not with change in neurocognition. A mediating role of mBDNF on the effect of physical exercise on neurocognition was not supported. Values of proBDNF mainly remained stable from baseline to post-intervention. CONCLUSION We found that baseline-mBDNF moderated the effect of physical exercise on neurocognition in individuals with schizophrenia and explained a small part of the inter-individual variation in neurocognitive response. Mean mBDNF decreased from baseline to post-intervention, regardless of exercise mode. A mediating role of mBDNF on the effect of exercise on neurocognition was not supported. The inter-individual variation in neurocognitive response and the complex role of peripheral BDNF in physical exercise is still to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry Bang-Kittilsen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tonsberg, Norway.
| | - Jens Egeland
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tonsberg, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo, Norway; K.G. Jebsen TREC, University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway
| | - Eivind Andersen
- Faculty of Humanities, Sports and Educational Science, University of Southeast Norway, Horten, Norway
| | | | - Tom Langerud Holmen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tonsberg, Norway
| | - Jon Mordal
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tonsberg, Norway
| | - René Holst
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - John Abel Engh
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tonsberg, Norway
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Farcas A, Hindmarch C, Iftene F. BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphisms as a predictor for clinical presentation in schizophrenia - recent findings. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1234220. [PMID: 37886115 PMCID: PMC10598753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1234220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly heritable, severe psychiatric disorder that involves dysfunctions in thinking, emotions, and behavior, with a profound impact on a person's ability to function normally in their daily life. Research efforts continue to focus on elucidating possible genetic underlying mechanisms of the disorder. Although the genetic loci identified to date to be significantly associated with schizophrenia risk do not represent disease-causing factors, each one of them could be seen as a possible incremental contributor. Considering the importance of finding new and more efficient pharmacological approaches to target the complex symptomatology of this disorder, in this scoping review, we are focusing on the most recent findings in studies aiming to elucidate the contribution of one of the genetic factors involved - the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphisms. Here we performed a systematic search in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases with the search terms: (BDNF gene polymorphism) AND (schizophrenia) for articles published in the last 5 years. To be selected for this review, articles had to report on studies where genotyping for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was performed in participants diagnosed with schizophrenia (or schizophrenia spectrum disorders or first-episode psychosis). The search provided 35 results from Pubmed, 134 results from Embase, and 118 results from the Web of Science database. Twenty-two articles were selected to be included in this review, all reporting on studies where an implication of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms in the disorder's pathophysiology was sought to be elucidated. These studies looked at BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism variants, their interactions with other genes of interest, and different facets of the illness. The Met/Met genotype was found to be associated with higher PANSS positive scores. Furthermore, Met/Met homozygous individuals appear to present with worse cognitive function and lower levels of serum BDNF. In the Val/Val genotype carriers, increased BDNF levels were found to correlate with weight gain under Risperidone treatment. However, due to heterogeneous results, the diversity in study populations and studies' small sample sizes, generalizations cannot be made. Our findings emphasize the need for further research dedicated to clarifying the role of gene polymorphisms in antipsychotic treatment to enhance specificity and efficacy in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Farcas
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Charles Hindmarch
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Queen’s Cardiopulmonary Unit, Translational Institute of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Felicia Iftene
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Providence Care Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Shkundin A, Halaris A. Associations of BDNF/BDNF-AS SNPs with Depression, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Disorder. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1395. [PMID: 37763162 PMCID: PMC10533016 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is crucial for various aspects of neuronal development and function, including synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter release, and supporting neuronal differentiation, growth, and survival. It is involved in the formation and preservation of dopaminergic, serotonergic, GABAergic, and cholinergic neurons, facilitating efficient stimulus transmission within the synaptic system and contributing to learning, memory, and overall cognition. Furthermore, BDNF demonstrates involvement in neuroinflammation and showcases neuroprotective effects. In contrast, BDNF antisense RNA (BDNF-AS) is linked to the regulation and control of BDNF, facilitating its suppression and contributing to neurotoxicity, apoptosis, and decreased cell viability. This review article aims to comprehensively overview the significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BDNF/BDNF-AS genes within psychiatric conditions, with a specific focus on their associations with depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The independent influence of each BDNF/BDNF-AS gene variation, as well as the interplay between SNPs and their linkage disequilibrium, environmental factors, including early-life experiences, and interactions with other genes, lead to alterations in brain architecture and function, shaping vulnerability to mental health disorders. The potential translational applications of BDNF/BDNF-AS polymorphism knowledge can revolutionize personalized medicine, predict disease susceptibility, treatment outcomes, and guide the selection of interventions tailored to individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelos Halaris
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
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11
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Szota AM, Kowalewska B, Ćwiklińska-Jurkowska M, Dróżdż W. The Influence of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Plasma Level in Patients with Schizophrenia-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5728. [PMID: 37685795 PMCID: PMC10488522 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to establish whether there is a correlation between the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment and the reduction in psychotic symptoms in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase was conducted up to March 2023. Inclusion criteria: studies in which adult patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic medication received ECT therapy and had the BDNF level measured before and after ECT treatment. Exclusion criteria: animal and in vitro studies or studies not involving complete information about the treatment and concentration of BDNF in plasma. The risk of bias was assessed using Egger's regression-based test for meta-analysis with continuous outcomes. Six studies comprising 248 individuals with schizophrenia were included. A statistically significant increase in BDNF levels after ECT treatment was observed only in two studies (p < 0.001 and p < 0.027, respectively), whereas in four other studies, an upward trend without statistical significance was noticed. The estimated overall size effect revealed that ECT therapy caused a slight change in the BDNF level but without statistical significance (ES = -0.328). Different numbers of ECT procedures (4-10), final measurement of the BDNF level made at a different time point, using bilateral or unilateral electrode positioning during ECT and treatment with different combinations of typical or atypical antipsychotic medications may be potential reasons for the lack of statistical significance in the changes in BDNF levels after treatment. Data regarding the measurement of BDNF levels pre and post ECT therapy in patients with schizophrenia are very limited without an extended follow-up period and evaluation of mental health change. Our meta-analysis showed that treatment with ECT therapy and antipsychotic medication increases serum BDNF levels in patients with drug-resistant schizophrenia compared to patients treated with medication only; however, this effect is not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Szota
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie-Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Beata Kowalewska
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie-Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.K.); (W.D.)
| | - Małgorzata Ćwiklińska-Jurkowska
- Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Systems Theory, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Jagiellońska Street 13-15, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Wiktor Dróżdż
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Curie-Skłodowskiej Street 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.K.); (W.D.)
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12
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Deliyannides DA, Graff JA, Niño I, Lee S, Husain MM, Forester BP, Crocco E, Vahia IV, Devanand DP. Effects of lithium on serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Alzheimer's patients with agitation. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e6002. [PMID: 37732619 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6002] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is ample evidence in animal models that lithium increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) with supporting evidence in human studies. Little is known, however, about the effects of lithium on BDNF in Alzheimer's Dementia (AD). In one study of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment, serum BDNF increased after treatment with lithium. These patients also showed mild improvement in cognitive function. OBJECTIVES To evaluate low-dose lithium treatment of agitation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD We measured levels of BDNF in patients treated with lithium prior to and after a 12-week randomized placebo-controlled trial. RESULTS BDNF levels did not change significantly and were not associated with improvement in overall neuropsychiatric symptoms or in cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to understand the potential effects of lithium on BDNF in AD including whether its use might be dependent on the stage of cognitive decline and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Deliyannides
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jamie A Graff
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Izael Niño
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mustafa M Husain
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Brent P Forester
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth Crocco
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ipsit V Vahia
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Davangere P Devanand
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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13
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Ornell F, Scherer JN, Schuch JB, Sordi AO, Halpern SC, Rebelatto FP, Bristot G, Kapczinski F, Roglio VS, Pechansky F, Kessler FHP, von Diemen L. Serum BDNF levels increase during early drug withdrawal in alcohol and crack cocaine addiction. Alcohol 2023; 111:1-7. [PMID: 37037287 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.04.001] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in several drug-induced brain neuroadaptations. The impact of withdrawal from substances that have different neurological mechanisms on BDNF levels is unclear. Our goal was to compare serum BDNF levels in inpatients with alcohol or crack cocaine use disorders during the early withdrawal period, and to evaluate the association with substance-related outcomes. We performed a follow-up study with 101 men under detoxification treatment (drug preference: alcohol [n = 37] and crack cocaine [n = 64]). Blood samples were collected on the 1st and 15th days of hospitalization to measure serum BDNF levels. Serum BDNF levels increased during the early stage of withdrawal (28.2 ± 10.0 vs. 32.6 ± 13.3, p < 0.001), similarly in individuals with alcohol and crack cocaine use. In the alcohol group, BDNF levels on the 15th day of hospitalization were negatively correlated with age (r = -0.394, p = 0.023). Delta BDNF levels were also negatively correlated with BDNF on the 1st day of hospitalization (p = 0.011). No significant correlation was found regarding substance-related outcomes. This is the first study to compare BDNF levels in alcohol and crack cocaine users undergoing similar treatment conditions. These findings could be related to clinical improvement after abstinence or even to drug withdrawal itself, decreasing neuronal injury. Furthermore, age may be a crucial factor, hindering the recovery of neuroplasticity in alcohol users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Ornell
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana N Scherer
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline B Schuch
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Anne O Sordi
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Silvia C Halpern
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernando P Rebelatto
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Giovana Bristot
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Flavio Kapczinski
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vinicius S Roglio
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Flavio Pechansky
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Felix H P Kessler
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lisia von Diemen
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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14
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Dai J, Zhang MZ, He QQ, Chen R. The emerging role of exosomes in Schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2023; 327:115394. [PMID: 37536144 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115394] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ), a serious mental disorder, is one of the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. Exosomes, as a natural nanocarrier, are able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and play a key bridging role in central nervous system (CNS) communication, participating in important physiological processes such as neural regeneration, prominent plasticity, axonal support, and neuroinflammation. In recent years, exosomes have received widespread attention in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease. However, there are few reviews on exosomes and SCZ. Therefore, we conducted a literature search in PubMed and Web of Science using the following search terms: "schizophrenia", "mental disorder", "central system", "exosome", "extracellular vesicles" to identify publications from January 2010 to December 2022. Our review summarized exosomes secreted by different cell types in the CNS and the double-edged role of exosomes in the development of SCZ, and discussed their future potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In conclusion, this article provides an up-to-date overview of the current research on the involvement of exosomes in SCZ, while also highlighting the challenges that are currently faced in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dai
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min-Zhe Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi-Qiang He
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Biomass-Resource Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology Key Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Chen
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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15
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Moreno I, Stojanovic-Pérez A, Bulduk B, Sánchez-Gistau V, Algora MJ, Ortega L, Muntané G, Vilella E, Labad J, Martorell L. High blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA in early psychosis are associated with inflammatory markers. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:440-446. [PMID: 37429187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6265C > T, Val66Met, affects BDNF secretion and has been related to inflammatory processes. Both the rs6265 and BDNF protein levels have been widely investigated in neuropsychiatric disorders with conflicting results. In the present study we examined BDNF mRNA expression in blood considering the SNP rs6265 and its relationship with inflammatory markers in the early stages of psychosis. The rs6265 genotype and blood BDNF mRNA levels were measured in 34 at-risk mental states (ARMS) individuals, 37 patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and 42 healthy controls (HCs) by quantitative PCR and reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR using validated TaqMan assays. We also obtained measures of interleukin-6 (IL6) mRNA levels, fibrinogen, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. We identified that BDNF mRNA levels were associated with the rs6265 genotype in an allele-dose-dependent manner, with low expression levels associated with the T allele (Met substitution). Thus, we controlled for the rs6265 genotype in all analyses. Blood BDNF mRNA levels differed between diagnostic groups: patients with FEP exhibited higher blood BDNF mRNA levels than ARMS individuals, and the lowest levels were observed in HC. In addition, we observed significant correlations between BDNF mRNA levels and inflammatory markers (IL6 mRNA levels and NLR), controlled by the rs6265 genotype, in ARMS and FEP groups. This exploratory study suggests that the rs6265 genotype is associated with differential blood mRNA expression of BDNF that increases with illness progression and correlated with inflammation in the early stages of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Moreno
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA (IISPV-CERCA), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Bengisu Bulduk
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA (IISPV-CERCA), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Vanessa Sánchez-Gistau
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA (IISPV-CERCA), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Algora
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA (IISPV-CERCA), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Ortega
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA (IISPV-CERCA), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Departament d'Infermeria, URV, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gerard Muntané
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA (IISPV-CERCA), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, IBE, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Elisabet Vilella
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA (IISPV-CERCA), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Labad
- Hospital de Mataró, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Fundació Parc Taulí, Mataró, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Innovació i Investigació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Translational Neuroscience Research Unit I3PT-Inc-UAB, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lourdes Martorell
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili-CERCA (IISPV-CERCA), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Bioque M, Mac-Dowell KS, Font C, Meseguer A, Macau E, Garcia-Orellana M, Valentí M, Leza JC, Bernardo M. Acute effects of a session of electroconvulsive therapy on brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasma levels. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 16:137-142. [PMID: 32674992 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2020.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are neurotrophins that play critical roles in brain neuronal function. Previous studies have established the association between BDNF and NGF signaling and severe mental disorders, but changes in BDNF plasma levels and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) response are controversial. The aim of his study was to explore the acute effects of a single session of ECT on these neurotrophins signaling. Plasma levels of BDNF and NGF and their tyrosine kinase-type receptors expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined before and two hours after a single ECT session in 30 subjects with a severe mental disorder. Two hours after an ECT session we found a statistically significant decrease of BDNF plasma levels (p=0.007). We did not find significant acute effects on NGF plasma levels or receptors expression in PBMCs. We found a significant inverse correlation between the time of convulsion and BDNF plasma levels decrease (r=-0.041, p=0.024). We have identified a decrease in BDNF plasma levels after 2h of a single ECT session. These results indicate the interest for future research in the role of neurotrophins in the response and safety of ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Bioque
- Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red en salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Karina S Mac-Dowell
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid University, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUIN; CIBERSAM, Spain
| | - Cristina Font
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid University, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUIN; CIBERSAM, Spain
| | - Ana Meseguer
- Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona; CIBERSAM, Spain
| | - Elisabet Macau
- Psychiatry Department, Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Garcia-Orellana
- Anesthesiolgy Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona; Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Valentí
- Barcelona Bipolar Disorder Program, Psychatry Department, Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan C Leza
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid University, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUIN; CIBERSAM, Spain.
| | - Miquel Bernardo
- Barcelona Clínic Schizophrenia Unit, Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red en salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Mohammed SM, Hashim ZH, Hussein MM, Al-Mayah QS. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in patients with schizophrenia and methamphetamine addiction: correlation with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). J Med Life 2023; 16:799-805. [PMID: 37520481 PMCID: PMC10375342 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine use can induce psychosis resembling acute schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, making it challenging to differentiate between the two based on symptoms alone. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts a critical role in hippocampal neural plasticity, influencing critical cognitive functions such as memory and learning. This study aimed to determine the role of serum BDNF levels in schizophrenia and methamphetamine addiction. A case-control study was conducted involving 50 patients with schizophrenia, 50 patients with methamphetamine addiction, and 50 healthy control subjects recruited from Ibn-Rushed Psychiatric Teaching Hospital in Baghdad. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), while serum BDNF levels were measured using ELISA following standardized protocols. The findings revealed significantly lower median levels of BDNF (0.36 pg/ml) in patients with schizophrenia compared to both the control group (0.51 pg/ml) and the methamphetamine group (0.72 pg/ml). Moreover, there was a significant difference observed between the methamphetamine group and the control group. At a cut-off value of BDNF=0.37 pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity of BDNF in differentiating between schizophrenia and methamphetamine addiction were 84% and 70%, respectively. Serum level of BDNF could be used to differentiate between schizophrenia and methamphetamine addiction when clinical distinctions are challenging to detect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zainab Hassan Hashim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
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18
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van den Oord EJCG, Xie LY, Zhao M, Campbell TL, Turecki G, Kähler AK, Dean B, Mors O, Hultman CM, Staunstrup NH, Aberg KA. Genes implicated by a methylome-wide schizophrenia study in neonatal blood show differential expression in adult brain samples. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2088-2094. [PMID: 37106120 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02080-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a disabling disorder involving genetic predisposition in combination with environmental influences that likely act via dynamic alterations of the epigenome and the transcriptome but its detailed pathophysiology is largely unknown. We performed cell-type specific methylome-wide association study of neonatal blood (N = 333) from individuals who later in life developed schizophrenia and controls. Suggestively significant associations (P < 1.0 × 10-6) were detected in all cell-types and in whole blood with methylome-wide significant associations in monocytes (P = 2.85 × 10-9-4.87 × 10-9), natural killer cells (P = 1.72 × 10-9-7.82 × 10-9) and B cells (P = 3.8 × 10-9). Validation of methylation findings in post-mortem brains (N = 596) from independent schizophrenia cases and controls showed significant enrichment of transcriptional differences (enrichment ratio = 1.98-3.23, P = 2.3 × 10-3-1.0 × 10-5), with specific highly significant differential expression for, for example, BDNF (t = -6.11, P = 1.90 × 10-9). In addition, expression difference in brain significantly predicted schizophrenia (multiple correlation = 0.15-0.22, P = 3.6 × 10-4-4.5 × 10-8). In summary, using a unique design combining pre-disease onset (neonatal) blood methylomic data and post-disease onset (post-mortem) brain transcriptional data, we have identified genes of likely functional relevance that are associated with schizophrenia susceptibility, rather than confounding disease associated artifacts. The identified loci may be of clinical value as a methylation-based biomarker for early detection of increased schizophrenia susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin J C G van den Oord
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lin Y Xie
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Min Zhao
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Thomas L Campbell
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute and McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anna K Kähler
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brian Dean
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ole Mors
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Risskov, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christina M Hultman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicklas H Staunstrup
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Karolina A Aberg
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Markiewicz-Gospodarek A, Markiewicz R, Borowski B, Dobrowolska B, Łoza B. Self-Regulatory Neuronal Mechanisms and Long-Term Challenges in Schizophrenia Treatment. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040651. [PMID: 37190616 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic and relapsing disorder that is characterized not only by delusions and hallucinations but also mainly by the progressive development of cognitive and social deficits. These deficits are related to impaired synaptic plasticity and impaired neurotransmission in the nervous system. Currently, technological innovations and medical advances make it possible to use various self-regulatory methods to improve impaired synaptic plasticity. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of various rehabilitation methods, we reviewed methods that modify synaptic plasticity and improve the cognitive and executive processes of patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar bibliographic databases were searched with the keywords mentioned below. A total of 555 records were identified. Modern methods of schizophrenia therapy with neuroplastic potential, including neurofeedback, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, virtual reality therapy, and cognitive remediation therapy, were reviewed and analyzed. Since randomized controlled studies of long-term schizophrenia treatment do not exceed 2-3 years, and the pharmacological treatment itself has an incompletely estimated benefit-risk ratio, treatment methods based on other paradigms, including neuronal self-regulatory and neural plasticity mechanisms, should be considered. Methods available for monitoring neuroplastic effects in vivo (e.g., fMRI, neuropeptides in serum), as well as unfavorable parameters (e.g., features of the metabolic syndrome), enable individualized monitoring of the effectiveness of long-term treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renata Markiewicz
- Department of Neurology, Neurological and Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartosz Borowski
- Students Scientific Association at the Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Beata Dobrowolska
- Department of Holistic Care and Management in Nursing, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartosz Łoza
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
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20
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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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21
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Więdłocha M, Zborowska N, Marcinowicz P, Dębowska W, Dębowska M, Zalewska A, Maciejczyk M, Waszkiewicz N, Szulc A. Oxidative Stress Biomarkers among Schizophrenia Inpatients. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030490. [PMID: 36979300 PMCID: PMC10046541 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Finding the associations between schizophrenia symptoms and the biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and the kynurenine pathway may lead to the individualization of treatment and increase its effectiveness. Methods. The study group included 82 schizophrenia inpatients. The Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) and the Calgary Depression in Schizophrenia Scale were used for symptom evaluation. Biochemical analyses included oxidative stress parameters and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Results. Linear models revealed the following: (1) malondiadehyde (MDA), N-formylkynurenine (N-formKYN), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end-products of proteins (AGE) and total oxidative status (TOS) levels are related to the PANSS-total score; (2) MDA, reduced glutathione (GSH) and BDNF levels are related to the PANSS-negative score; (3) TOS and kynurenine (KYN) levels are related to the PANSS-positive score; (4) levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and AOPP along with the CDSS score are related to the BACS-total score; (5) TAS and N-formKYN levels are related to the BACS-working memory score. Conclusions. Oxidative stress biomarkers may be associated with the severity of schizophrenia symptoms in positive, negative and cognitive dimensions. The identification of biochemical markers associated with the specific symptom clusters may increase the understanding of biochemical profiles in schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Więdłocha
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (N.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Natalia Zborowska
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (N.Z.)
| | - Piotr Marcinowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (N.Z.)
| | - Weronika Dębowska
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (N.Z.)
| | - Marta Dębowska
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (N.Z.)
| | - Anna Zalewska
- Experimental Dentistry Laboratory, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maciejczyk
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Ergonomics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Napoleon Waszkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Bialystok, 16-070 Choroszcz, Poland
| | - Agata Szulc
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (N.Z.)
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22
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Rabiee R, Hosseini Hooshiar S, Ghaderi A, Jafarnejad S. Schizophrenia, Curcumin and Minimizing Side Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs: Possible Mechanisms. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:713-724. [PMID: 36357748 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03798-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by episodes of psychosis; major symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. More recent theories focus on particular disorders of interneurons, dysfunctions in the immune system, abnormalities in the formation of myelin, and augmented oxidative stress that lead to alterations in brain structure. Decreased dopaminergic activity and increased phospholipid metabolism in the prefrontal cortex might be involved in schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia have many side effects. Alternative therapy such as curcumin (CUR) can reduce the severity of symptoms without significant side effects. CUR has important therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial functions and protection of the nervous system. Also, the ability of CUR to pass the blood-brain barrier raises new hopes for neuroprotection. CUR can improve and prevent further probable neurological and behavioral disorders in patients with schizophrenia. It decreases the side effects of neuroleptics and retains lipid homeostasis. CUR increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and improves hyperkinetic movement disorders. CUR may act as an added counteraction mechanism to retain cell integrity and defense against free radical injury. Thus it appears to have therapeutic potential for improvement of schizophrenia. In this study, we review several properties of CUR and its ability to improve schizophrenia and minimize the side effects of antipsychotic drugs, and we explore the underlying mechanisms by which CUR affects schizophrenia and its symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Rabiee
- Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Hosseini Hooshiar
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Amir Ghaderi
- Department of Addiction Studies, School of Medicine and Clinical Research Development Unit, Matini/Kargarnejad Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Sadegh Jafarnejad
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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23
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Zhang HC, Du Y, Chen L, Yuan ZQ, Cheng Y. MicroRNA schizophrenia: Etiology, biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105064. [PMID: 36707012 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The three sets of symptoms associated with schizophrenia-positive, negative, and cognitive-are burdensome and have serious effects on public health, which affects up to 1% of the population. It is now commonly believed that in addition to the traditional dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway, the etiology of schizophrenia also includes neuronal networks, such as glutamate, GABA, serotonin, BDNF, oxidative stress, inflammation and the immune system. Small noncoding RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) have come to light as possible participants in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia in recent years by having an impact on these systems. These small RNAs regulate the stability and translation of hundreds of target transcripts, which has an impact on the entire gene network. There may be improved approaches to treat and diagnose schizophrenia if it is understood how these changes in miRNAs alter the critical related signaling pathways that drive the development and progression of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Chang Zhang
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Zeng-Qiang Yuan
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China; Institute of National Security, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
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24
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Mottarlini F, Rizzi B, Targa G, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Long-lasting BDNF signaling alterations in the amygdala of adolescent female rats exposed to the activity-based anorexia model. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1087075. [PMID: 36570702 PMCID: PMC9772010 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1087075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a pathological fear of gaining weight, excessive physical exercise, and emotional instability. Since the amygdala is a key region for emotion processing and BDNF has been shown to play a critical role in this process, we hypothesized that alteration in the amygdalar BDNF system might underline vulnerability traits typical of AN patients. Methods: To this end, adolescent female rats have been exposed to the Activity-Based Anorexia (ABA) protocol, characterized by the combination of caloric restriction and intense physical exercise. Results: The induction of the anorexic phenotype caused hyperactivity and body weight loss in ABA animals. These changes were paralleled by amygdalar hyperactivation, as measured by the up-regulation of cfos mRNA levels. In the acute phase of the pathology, we observed reduced Bdnf exon IX, exon IV, and exon VI gene expression, while mBDNF protein levels were enhanced, an increase that was, instead, uncoupled from its downstream signaling as the phosphorylation of TrkB, Akt, and S6 in ABA rats were reduced. Despite the body weight recovery observed 7 days later, the BDNF-mediated signaling was still downregulated at this time point. Discussion: Our findings indicate that the BDNF system is downregulated in the amygdala of adolescent female rats under these experimental conditions, which mimic the anorexic phenotype in humans, pointing to such dysregulation as a potential contributor to the altered emotional processing observed in AN patients. In addition, since the modulation of BDNF levels is observed in other psychiatric conditions, the persistent AN-induced changes of the BDNF system in the amygdala might contribute to explaining the onset of comorbid psychiatric disorders that persist in patients even beyond recovery from AN.
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25
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Converging Evidence Points to BDNF as Biomarker of Depressive Symptoms in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121666. [PMID: 36552127 PMCID: PMC9775399 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key modulator of neuroplasticity and has an important role in determining the susceptibility to severe psychiatric disorder with a significant neurodevelopmental component such as major psychoses. Indeed, a potential association between BDNF serum levels and schizophrenia (SCZ) and schizoaffective disorder (SAD) has been tested in diverse studies and a considerable amount of them found reduced BDNF levels in these disorders. Here, we aimed at testing the association of BDNF serum levels with several demographic, clinical, and psychometric measures in 105 patients with SCZ and SAD, assessing the moderating effect of genetic variants within the BDNF gene. We also verified whether peripheral BDNF levels differed between patients with SCZ and SAD. Our findings revealed that BDNF serum levels are significantly lower in patients affected by SCZ and SAD presenting more severe depressive symptomatology. This finding awaits replication in future independent studies and points to BDNF as a possible prognostic indicator in major psychoses.
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26
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Shahin O, Gohar SM, Ibrahim W, El-Makawi SM, Fakher W, Taher DB, Abdel Samie M, Khalil MA, Saleh AA. Brain-Derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma level increases in patients with resistant schizophrenia treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2022; 26:370-375. [PMID: 35192426 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2022.2035770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on plasma BDNF levels in patients with resistant schizophrenia. METHODS It was a cohort study that included 60 patients with resistant schizophrenia fulfilling the DSM-5 criteria of schizophrenia and APA criteria of resistant schizophrenia. They were divided into two groups, followed over 4 weeks, and compared to their baseline assessment. Group (A) included 45 patients who received 4-10 sessions of ECT while Group (B) included 15 patients who received the usual treatment with antipsychotics without ECT. The assessment included the severity of psychotic symptoms assessed by the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) in addition to plasma BDNF level. RESULTS Patients in Group (A) had an increased level of BDNF after treatment with a statistically significant difference in comparison to their baseline BDNF level (P = 0.027). Meanwhile, patients in group (B) showed a non-significant increase in BDNF. Patients in both groups improved significantly in all PANSS subscales after treatment. CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that plasma BDNF levels in patients with resistant schizophrenia increase after electroconvulsive therapy in association with clinical improvement.Key pointsBDNF increases after ECT treatment of resistant schizophrenia.BDNF is not correlated with the severity of psychotic symptomsPatients treated with ECT showed a better response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Shahin
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif M Gohar
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walaa Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shirin M El-Makawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walaa Fakher
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina Badie Taher
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai Abdel Samie
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Khalil
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alia A Saleh
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, El Saraya street, El Manyal, Cairo, Egypt
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27
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The role of maternal immune activation in the immunological and neurological pathogenesis of autism. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnrt.2022.100030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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28
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Selvaraj S, Shivakumar V, Kavya PV, Mullapudi T, Bhalerao G, Sreeraj VS, Suhas S, Dinakaran D, Parlikar R, Chhabra H, Narayanaswamy JC, Debnath M, Rao NP, Muralidharan K, Venkatasubramanian G. Neurohemodynamic correlates of BDNF gene expression in schizophrenia patients with working memory deficits: A functional MRI study. Asian J Psychiatr 2022; 77:103261. [PMID: 36181754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in neuroplasticity underlying cognitive deficits, including working memory deficits (WMD), in schizophrenia. Methodological challenges and inconsistencies are reported with peripheral BDNF levels. Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is proposed to underlie WMD, though inconsistently. We aimed to explore the correlations between brain activation during working memory task-based functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and BDNF gene expression in schizophrenia patients with WMD. METHODS 26 patients with schizophrenia with established WMD were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected to study lymphocyte BDNF gene expression. Patients underwent task-based fMRI to examine the working memory performance and related brain activation. Whole-brain analysis was performed with 2-back > 0-back and 2-back > rest contrast. The peak intensity values of the activation were used for correlation analysis. RESULTS Whole brain analysis with 2-back > rest contrast revealed maximum activation in left DLPFC, Brodmann area 9 (t = 10.54, FWE corrected p < 0.05). The baseline BDNF gene expression correlated positively with the peak intensity of brain activation in left DLPFC (r = 0.365, p = 0.033). Negative symptom score negatively correlated with BDNF gene expression (r = -0.499, p = 0.005) and left DLPFC fMRI activation (r = -0.393, p = 0.023) respectively. CONCLUSION We found a significant positive association between BDNF gene expression and the activation of the DLPFC during the working memory task. This novel observation needs further systematic evaluation to establish the potential role of peripheral BDNF expression in WMD in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Selvaraj
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.
| | - Venkataram Shivakumar
- Department of Integrative Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Paranthaman V Kavya
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Thrinath Mullapudi
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Gaurav Bhalerao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Vanteemar S Sreeraj
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Satish Suhas
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Damodharan Dinakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Rujuta Parlikar
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Harleen Chhabra
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Monojit Debnath
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Naren P Rao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Kesavan Muralidharan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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Zhu X, Huang C, Fan H, Fan F, Zhao Y, Xiu M, Wang Y, Li Y, Tan Y, Wang Z, Tan S. The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with working memory training on working memory deficits in schizophrenic patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:826. [PMID: 36175919 PMCID: PMC9523935 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06776-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Working memory deficits are one of the core and most characteristic clinical features of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Cognitive training can improve the cognitive function of patients with schizophrenia. However, the overall and transfer effects of working memory treatment (WMT) require improvement. Numerous studies have confirmed that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhances neuroplasticity in the brain, providing a new treatment approach for cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesize that a training mode combining “preheating” (tDCS, which changes the neural activity of working memory-related brain regions) and “ironing” (WMT) affords greater cognitive improvements than WMT alone. In addition, this study aims to examine the mechanisms underlying the superiority of tDCS combined with WMT in improving cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. Methods This study will include 120 patients with schizophrenia aged 18–60 years. The patients will be randomized into four groups: the study group (tDCS + WMT), tDCS group (tDCS + simple response training, SRT), WMT group (sham tDCS + WMT), and control group (sham tDCS + SRT). Patients will receive 20-min, 2 mA sessions of active or sham tDCS twice a day on weekdays for 2 weeks. Each stimulation will be immediately followed by a 1 − 2-min rest and 40 min of WMT or SRT. The primary outcome is cognitive function, measured using Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and some subscales of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). The secondary outcomes are other behavioral measures, variations in brain imaging, and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). All outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up, except for brain imaging and BDNF levels, which will be measured at baseline and post-treatment only. Discussion If tDCS combined with WMT results in significant improvements and prolonged effects on working memory, this method could be considered as a first-line clinical treatment for schizophrenia. Moreover, these results could provide evidence-based support for the development of other approaches to improve cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, especially by enhancing WMT effects. Trial registration Chictr.org.cn; ChiCTR2200063844. Registered on September 19, 2022. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06776-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhu
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Huang
- Pinghu Branch, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing, 404000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzhen Fan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmei Fan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Zhao
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihong Xiu
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhui Wang
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajun Li
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiren Wang
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuping Tan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China.
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Qing Y, Wang P, Cui G, Zhang J, Liang K, Xia Z, Wang P, He L, Jia W. Targeted metabolomics reveals aberrant profiles of serum bile acids in patients with schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:65. [PMID: 35982185 PMCID: PMC9388515 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that bile acids (BAs), which are signaling molecules that regulate metabolism and inflammation, appear to be dysregulated in schizophrenia (SZ). Further investigation is warranted to comprehensively characterize BA profiles in SZ. To address this, we analyzed serum BA profiles in 108 drug-free patients with SZ and in 108 healthy controls (HCs), divided into a discovery set (n = 119) and a validation set (n = 97), using ultraperformance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Forty serum BAs were detected and absolutely quantified using calibration curves. Global BA profiling showed differences in SZ and HC groups in both discovery and validation sets. The concentrations of chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, 3β-chenodeoxycholic acid, 7-ketolithocholic acid, 3-dehydrocholic acid, total BAs, and unconjugated BAs were significantly lower in patients with SZ compared with HCs in the two sample sets. The BA deconjugation potentials by gut microbiota and the affinity index of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) were notably decreased in SZ patients compared to those of HCs. Conjugated BAs and BA deconjugation potentials differed in SZ patients with first versus recurrent episodes, although similar BA profiles were observed in both groups. In addition, a panel of 8 BA variables acted as a potential auxiliary diagnostic biomarker in discriminating SZ patients from HCs, with area under the curve values for receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.758 and 0.732 and for precision-recall curves of 0.750 and 0.714 in the discovery and validation sets, respectively. This study has provided compelling evidence of comprehensive characteristics of circulating BA metabolism in patients with SZ and promoted a deeper understanding of the role of BAs in the pathophysiology of this disease, possibly via the gut microbiota-FXR signaling pathway.
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31
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Zakharova NV, Bugrova AE, Indeykina MI, Fedorova YB, Kolykhalov IV, Gavrilova SI, Nikolaev EN, Kononikhin AS. Proteomic Markers and Early Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:762-776. [PMID: 36171657 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922080089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common socially significant neurodegenerative pathology, which currently affects more than 30 million elderly people worldwide. Since the number of patients grows every year and may exceed 115 million by 2050, and due to the lack of effective therapies, early prediction of AD remains a global challenge, solution of which can contribute to the timely appointment of a preventive therapy in order to avoid irreversible changes in the brain. To date, clinical assays for the markers of amyloidosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been developed, which, in conjunction with the brain MRI and PET studies, are used either to confirm the diagnosis based on obligate clinical criteria or to predict the risk of AD developing at the stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the problem of predicting AD at the asymptomatic stage remains unresolved. In this regard, the search for new protein markers and studies of proteomic changes in CSF and blood plasma are of particular interest and may consequentially identify particular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Studies of specific proteomic changes in blood plasma deserve special attention and are of increasing interest due to the much less invasive method of sample collection as compared to CSF, which is important when choosing the object for large-scale screening. This review briefly summarizes the current knowledge on proteomic markers of AD and considers the prospects of developing reliable methods for early identification of AD risk factors based on the proteomic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Zakharova
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Anna E Bugrova
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Maria I Indeykina
- Emanuel Institute for Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Evgeny N Nikolaev
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, 121205, Russia
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Fernandes BS, Dai Y, Jia P, Zhao Z. Charting the proteome landscape in major psychiatric disorders: From biomarkers to biological pathways towards drug discovery. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 61:43-59. [PMID: 35763977 PMCID: PMC9378550 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) are major mental disorders that affect a significant proportion of the global population. Advancing our knowledge of the pathophysiology of these disorders and identifying biomarkers are urgent needs for developing objective diagnostic tests and new therapeutics. In this study, we performed a systematic review and then extracted, curated, and analyzed proteomics data from published studies, aiming to assess the proteome in peripheral blood of individuals with SZ, BD, or MDD. Then, we performed pathway and network analyses to illuminate the biological themes concatenated by the differentially expressed proteins by systematically interrogating the literature to uncover biological pathways with more robust biological meaning. We identified 486 differentially expressed proteins from 51 studies across the three disorders with 9,423 participants. The great majority of pathways were common to SZ, BD, and MDD. They were related to the immune system, including signaling by interleukins, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and complement cascade, and to signal transduction, notably MAPK1/MAPK3 signaling, PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway, Focal Adhesion-PI3K-Akt-mTOR-signaling, rhodopsin-like receptors, GPCR signaling, and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Other shared pathways included advanced glycosylation end-product receptor signaling, Regulation of Insulin-like Growth Factor, cholesterol metabolism, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Pathways shared between SZ and BD were integrin cell-surface interactions, GRB2:SOS provides linkage to MAPK signaling for integrins, and syndecan interactions. Shared between BD and MDD were the NRF2 pathway and signaling by EGFR pathways. Our findings advance our understanding of the protein variations and associations with these disorders, which are useful for accelerating biomarker development and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brisa S Fernandes
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yulin Dai
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peilin Jia
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Huang Z, Kang M, Li G, Xiong P, Chen H, Kang L, Li S, Lu C, Li Q, Bai M. Predictive effect of Bayes discrimination in the level of serum protein factors and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:539-545. [PMID: 35636029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Finding molecular biomarkers that can be related to the degree of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia remains a challenge. The levels of 6 Serum Protein Factors (NGF, BDNF, IL-6, TNF-α, S100β, GFAP) in peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia were measured. The cognitive function of patients with schizophrenia was assessed by MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), a systematic assessment tool of international gold standard for cognitive function assessment of schizophrenia. To explore the correlation between these 6 biomarkers and the degree of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia,78 schizophrenic patients and 71 healthy controls were included in the study. The serum concentrations of BDNF and GFAP were lower in the patient group, but the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α and S100β were higher. The speed of information processing, word learning, reasoning and problem solving, visual learning T-score of the patient group were lower than the control group. Bayes discriminant function model has a high correct discriminant rate for the severity of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. The level of serum protein factor and clinical symptom score of schizophrenia may forecast the degree of cognitive dysfunction, which is expected to be a potential biomarker to identify the degree of cognitive dysfunction of schizophrenia, and provide objective basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyuan Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Minmin Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China; Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, #39 Xueyuan Road, Enshi, Hubei,445000, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Peng Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China; Yunnan Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China.
| | - Hongxu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Lin Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Cailian Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
| | - Meiyan Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, #295 Xichang, Road, Kunming, Yunnan, 650032, China
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Changes in serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with electroconvulsive therapy and pharmacotherapy and its clinical correlates in male schizophrenia patients. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2022; 34:99-105. [PMID: 34924073 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2021.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It has been postulated that neurotrophin dysregulation leads to disorganisation in neuronal networks, which results in schizophrenia. The current study sets out to evaluate if the finding of lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in schizophrenia patients could be confirmed in an independent cohort and to investigate if the BDNF levels can be altered with different treatment modalities such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and/or antipsychotic pharmacotherapy (PT). METHODS A total of 54 male patients with schizophrenia and 35 healthy controls were included in the study. Schizophrenia patients were subdivided into two groups as the ones who underwent ECT + PT and only PT. Clinical and sociodemographic data questionnaire, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and blood sample collection for BDNF assessment were applied to all patients (on first and last days of admissions) and healthy participants (on the day of the interview). Then, clinical parameters and blood sample outcomes were statistically analysed. RESULTS Mean BDNF levels of healthy individuals were significantly higher than mean pre- and post-treatment BDNF levels in both PT only and ECT + PT groups. While serum BDNF levels did not increase after ECT + PT, there was a trend level increase in the PT only group. There was no significant correlation between the changes in serum BDNF levels with total PANSS scores in either group after treatment. CONCLUSIONS We could confirm previously suggested data of lower serum BDNF levels in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy population but we could not find significant increase in serum BDNF levels with ECT + PT or only PT as some previous studies suggested.
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The role of BDNF and NGF plasma levels in first-episode schizophrenia: A longitudinal study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 57:105-117. [PMID: 35219096 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins have been proposed to be involved in biological mechanisms which might underlie different clinical outcomes in schizophrenia. The aims of the present study were to examine the BDNF/NGF plasma levels in a cohort of first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients in remission as potential biological predictors of relapse; to study the associations between these neurotrophins and the symptomatology severity through different stages after a FES in two independent cohorts. 2EPs-Cohort: 69 first-episode in clinical remission were included. BDNF/NGF plasma levels and symptom severity were measured at enrollment and at 3-year or at the time of the second episode/relapse. FLAMM-PEPs-Cohort: 65 first-episodes were also included. BDNF/NGF and symptom severity were obtained at enrollment and 2-year follow-up. Symptomatology was assessed with the Marder-PANSS-Factor scores. Plasma neurotrophins did not differ significantly over time and neither BDNF/NGF were predictors of relapse. Besides, in remission stages, baseline BDNF levels showed significant correlations with both positive and negative symptoms (p<0.05); NGF, with negative symptomatology (p<0.01). Similarly, in the FLAMM-PEPs-Cohort, baseline BDNF/NGF levels showed significant correlations with negative symptoms (and not positive symptomatology) at follow-up (p<0.05). In both cohorts, lower levels correlated with higher symptom severity. Findings did not support a role for BDNF/NGF plasma levels as biomarkers of relapse in FES patients. Nevertheless, baseline BDNF/NGF may lead to be considered potentially useful biomarkers of long-term severity in schizophrenia and of the underlying illness traits, specially of negative symptomatology severity. More longitudinal studies in FES samples and adding a control group are warranted to replicate these findings.
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Peripheral Blood Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients with First Episode Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040414. [PMID: 35447946 PMCID: PMC9027267 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Peripheral blood level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be used as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker for schizophrenia. Previous studies were inconsistent. A systematic review was conducted to examine whether BDNF level is different in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) compared to health controls (HC) and whether it changes after treatment. Methods: Literature search was done in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar following standard procedures. Hedges’ g was used as the measure of effect size (ES), which was pooled with random effects model. Publication bias and moderator effects were examined. Results: Search yielded 29 studies with a total sample size of 2912. First meta-analysis included 27 studies with FEP vs. HC comparison. Pooled ES was −0.63, p < 0.001, indicating that BDNF level was lower in FEP than in HC. Studies were heterogeneous, and moderator analysis showed that studies of younger patient, higher symptom severity, and more drug naïve had larger ES. Second meta-analysis examined change in BDNF levels before and after antipsychotic treatment in eight studies. A pooled ES of −0.003 (p = 0.96) showed no change in peripheral BDNF level after treatment. Conclusion: Peripheral BDNF level was decreased in FEP compared to HC, but it did not change after treatment.
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Present and future antipsychotic drugs: a systematic review of the putative mechanisms of action for efficacy and a critical appraisal under a translational perspective. Pharmacol Res 2022; 176:106078. [PMID: 35026403 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotics represent the mainstay of schizophrenia pharmacological therapy, and their role has been expanded in the last years to mood disorders treatment. Although introduced in 1952, many years of research were required before an accurate picture of how antipsychotics work began to emerge. Despite the well-recognized characterization of antipsychotics in typical and atypical based on their liability to induce motor adverse events, their main action at dopamine D2R to elicit the "anti-psychotic" effect, as well as the multimodal action at other classes of receptors, their effects on intracellular mechanisms starting with receptor occupancy is still not completely understood. Significant lines of evidence converge on the impact of these compounds on multiple molecular signaling pathways implicated in the regulation of early genes and growth factors, dendritic spine shape, brain inflammation, and immune response, tuning overall the function and architecture of the synapse. Here we present, based on PRISMA approach, a comprehensive and systematic review of the above mechanisms under a translational perspective to disentangle those intracellular actions and signaling that may underline clinically relevant effects and represent potential targets for further innovative strategies in antipsychotic therapy.
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38
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Isayeva U, Manchia M, Collu R, Primavera D, Deriu L, Caboni E, Iaselli N, Sundas D, Tusconi M, Pinna F, Paribello P, Scherma M, Pisanu C, Meloni A, Zai CC, Congiu D, Squassina A, Fratta W, Fadda P, Carpiniello B. Exploring the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and longitudinal psychopathological and cognitive changes in Sardinian psychotic patients. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:e71. [DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and hypothesis
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are among the most debilitating mental disorders and has complex pathophysiological underpinnings. There is growing evidence that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can play a role in its pathogenesis. The present study investigated the longitudinal variation of serum BDNF levels in a 24-month observational prospective cohort study of Sardinian psychotic patients and its relationship with psychopathological and cognitive changes. Furthermore, we examined whether genetic variation within the BDNF gene could moderate these relationships.
Study design
Every 6 months, 105 patients were assessed for their BDNF serum levels, as well as for a series of psychopathological, cognitive, and social measures. We performed a targeted analysis of four tag single nucleotide polymorphisms within the BDNF gene that were selected and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction. Longitudinal data were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression models.
Study results
We observed a declining longitudinal trajectory of BDNF levels in psychotic patients in general, and in relation to the severity of depressive and negative symptoms. BDNF serum levels also declined in patients scoring lower in cognitive measures such as attention and speed of information processing and verbal fluency. The rs7934165 polymorphism moderated the significant association between verbal fluency and BDNF levels.
Conclusions
These findings in patients from real-world settings suggest a plausible role of peripheral BDNF levels as a marker of illness burden in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
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Li XL, Yu Y, Hu Y, Wu HT, Li XS, Chen GY, Cheng Y. Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 as a Potential Biomarker for Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:788677. [PMID: 35546939 PMCID: PMC9082542 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.788677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system contributed to the onset and development of schizophrenia (SCZ). However, there was no strong clinical evidence to link an individual FGF with SCZ. In this study, we aim to measure blood FGF9 levels in the patients with SCZ with and/or without medication, and test whether FGF9 has a potential to be a biomarker for SCZ. We recruited 130 patients with SCZ and 111 healthy individuals, and the ELISA and qRT-PCR assays were used to measure serum FGF9 levels in the participants. ELISA assay demonstrated that serum FGF9 protein levels were dramatically reduced in first-episode, drug-free patients, but not in chronically medicated patients when compared to healthy control subjects. Further analysis showed that treatment of the first-episode, drug-free SCZ patients with antipsychotics for 8 weeks significantly increased the serum FGF9 levels. In addition, we found that blood FGF9 mRNA levels were significantly lower in first-onset SCZ patients than controls. Under the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff values for FGF9 protein level as an indicator for diagnosis of drug-free SCZ patients was projected to be 166.4 pg/ml, which yielded a sensitivity of 0.955 and specificity of 0.86, and the area under the curve was 0.973 (95% CI, 0.954-0.993). Furthermore, FGF9 had good performance to discriminate between drug-free SCZ patients and chronically medicated patients, the optimal cutoff value for FGF9 concentration was projected to be 165.035 pg/ml with a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.919, and the AUC was 0.968 (95% CI, 0.944, 0.991). Taken together, our results for the first time demonstrated the dysregulation of FGF9 in SCZ, and FGF9 has the potential to be served as a biomarker for SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ling Li
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China.,Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Huan-Tong Wu
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Song Li
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Guang-Yang Chen
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
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Dombi ZB, Szendi I, Burnet PWJ. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cognitive Dysfunction in the Schizophrenia-Bipolar Spectrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:827322. [PMID: 35686181 PMCID: PMC9170985 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.827322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is a core feature of disorders on the schizophrenia-bipolar spectrum, i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been proposed to be a biomarker of cognitive impairment in these disorders as it plays a critical role in neuroplasticity and proposed to mediate some of the psychotropic effects of medication. However, despite numerous studies investigating the association between circulating BDNF and these disorders, no solid conclusions have been drawn regarding its involvement in cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVES The current systematic review and meta-analysis aims to examine blood BDNF levels and cognitive dysfunction in patients on the schizophrenia-bipolar spectrum as well as to evaluate whether circulating BDNF measurements can act as a biomarker for cognitive dysfunction. METHODS Studies were identified by searching Embase and Medline databases for English language articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 January and 2021 June according to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 815 articles were identified of which 32 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review - reporting on comparisons between blood BDNF levels and cognitive functions of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder patients versus healthy controls (no studies involving schizoaffective patients were specifically obtained for the time being). Twenty-four of these studies (19 with schizophrenia and 5 with bipolar disorder patients) were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS Our findings indicated that circulating BDNF levels were significantly reduced in patients experiencing an acute episode of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder compared to healthy controls. Cognitive function was also found to be significantly worse in patients, however, correlations between BDNF levels and cognitive impairment were not always detected. Interventions, especially pharmacotherapy seemed to improve certain aspects of cognition and increase circulating BDNF levels. CONCLUSION Circulating BDNF alone does not seem to be a valid biomarker of cognitive dysfunction in patients with disorders on the schizophrenia-bipolar spectrum, owing to several confounding factors. Changes of the circulating levels of BDNF should be evaluated in a wider context of other stress-, immune-, and inflammatory-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia B Dombi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Medical Division, Gedeon Richter Plc., Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Szendi
- Department of Psychiatry, Kiskunhalas Semmelweis Hospital, Kiskunhalas, Hungary.,Department of Software Engineering, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Philip W J Burnet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Fusar-Poli L, Aguglia A, Amerio A, Orsolini L, Salvi V, Serafini G, Volpe U, Amore M, Aguglia E. Peripheral BDNF levels in psychiatric patients with and without a history of suicide attempt: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110342. [PMID: 33961965 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychiatric patients are at increased risk of attempting suicide. Several potential biomarkers of suicide risk have been proposed with inconsistent findings. The present paper aimed to evaluate differences in peripheral BDNF levels between psychiatric patients with and without a history of suicide attempts. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant papers published up to January 5, 2021 were identified searching the electronic databases Web of KnowledgeSM and PsycINFO. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16. RESULTS Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, no significant differences in BDNF levels between the two groups were found (13 studies, n = 1340, Hedge's g = -0.21, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.02). Heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 72.91%). Subgroup analyses revealed that BDNF levels were significantly reduced in plasma with medium effect size (5 studies, n = 363, Hedge's g = -0.44, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.02), but not in serum (8 studies, n = 977, Hedge's g = -0.09, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.15). No significant differences were found according to the type of diagnosis (major depressive disorder vs. other diagnoses) or the period of suicide attempt (lifetime vs. recent). CONCLUSION The utility of BDNF as a biomarker of suicide attempts in psychiatric patients appears limited to its plasma concentration. Although caution interpretation is needed, our findings may represent a starting point for the design of rigorous case-control studies exploring the association between neurotrophins and suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Orsolini
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy; Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Virginio Salvi
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Umberto Volpe
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Chen L, Zheng WH, Du Y, Li XS, Yu Y, Wang H, Cheng Y. Altered Peripheral Immune Profiles in First-Episode, Drug-Free Patients With Schizophrenia: Response to Antipsychotic Medications. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:757655. [PMID: 34901070 PMCID: PMC8652082 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.757655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated aberrations in the levels of inflammatory cytokines in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), but most of the respective studies have tested a narrow set of inflammatory cytokines. Here, we aimed to analyze broad immune profiles in the peripheral blood of the first-episode drug-free (FEDF) patients with SCZ at baseline and after an 8-week treatment with atypical antipsychotics. Serum samples from 24 FEDF patients with SCZ and 25 healthy control (HC) subjects were tested using Luminex multiplex analysis for 30 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Multiple comparison tests demonstrated that interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monokine induced by IFN-γ, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels were significantly increased, whereas those of the epidermal growth factor were significantly decreased in the FEDF patients with SCZ. Moreover, the levels of the 6 dysregulated cytokines as well as those of 12 additional soluble factors in FEDF patients with SCZ were significantly decreased after 8 weeks of antipsychotic treatment. Furthermore, the transcription of G-CSF and IFN-γ was significantly increased in FEDF patients with SCZ when compared with controls, and G-CSF and IFN-γ mRNA levels were highly correlated with their respective protein concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that G-CSF and IFN-γ had good performance in differentiating between FEDF patients with SCZ and HC subjects. Taken together, our data revealed that FEDF patients with SCZ were accompanied by a unique pattern of immune profile, and antipsychotic medications seemed to suppress the immune function in these patients, which could be used to develop novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine for Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine for Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine for Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Song Li
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine for Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine for Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
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Ney LJ, Crombie KM, Mayo LM, Felmingham KL, Bowser T, Matthews A. Translation of animal endocannabinoid models of PTSD mechanisms to humans: Where to next? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:76-91. [PMID: 34838529 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is known to be involved in mechanisms relevant to PTSD aetiology and maintenance, though this understanding is mostly based on animal models of the disorder. Here we review how human paradigms can successfully translate animal findings to human subjects, with the view that substantially increased insight into the effect of endocannabinoid signalling on stress responding, emotional and intrusive memories, and fear extinction can be gained using modern paradigms and methods for assessing the state of the endocannabinoid system in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J Ney
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia; School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
| | - Kevin M Crombie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Leah M Mayo
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Kim L Felmingham
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Allison Matthews
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia
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Shoshina II, Hovis JK, Felisberti FM, Santos NA, Adreeva A, Butler PD, Fernandes TP. Visual processing and BDNF levels in first-episode schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114200. [PMID: 34653830 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) have deficits in early visual processing, namely contrast processing. The brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is an important measure to investigate neuroplasticity in some visual functions like visual perception. In this study, we investigated the relationship between visual processing and BDNF levels in first-episode SCZ patients. Thirty-nine healthy controls and 43 first-episode SCZ patients were enrolled. Contrast sensitivity measurements were conducted using low, mid- and high spatial frequencies. First-episode SCZ patients had higher contrast sensitivity than healthy controls for all frequencies, except for the middle spatial frequency. Negative correlations were found between BDNF, contrast sensitivity and clinical variables, mostly for middle and high spatial frequencies among females. Our results provide support for (i) the association of SCZ with alterations of magno- and parvocellular pathway functioning and (ii) decreased BDNF levels in first-episode SCZ patients. This study highlights the importance of using biomarkers along with other measures to investigate visual processing in SCZ and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina I Shoshina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Science, Department of Visual Physiology, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation; St. Petersburg State University, Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Jeffery K Hovis
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Fatima M Felisberti
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natanael A Santos
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Anna Adreeva
- St. Petersburg State University, Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Pamela D Butler
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Thiago P Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, Brazil; Perception, Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Federal University of Paraiba, Brazil.
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45
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Borsdorf B, Dahmen B, Buehren K, Dempfle A, Egberts K, Ehrlich S, Fleischhaker C, Konrad K, Schwarte R, Timmesfeld N, Wewetzer C, Biemann R, Scharke W, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Seitz J. BDNF levels in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa increase continuously to supranormal levels 2.5 years after first hospitalization. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E568-E578. [PMID: 34654737 PMCID: PMC8526129 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.210049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences brain plasticity and feeding behaviour, and it has been linked to anorexia nervosa in numerous studies. Findings in mostly adult patients point to reduced serum BDNF levels in the acute stage of anorexia nervosa and rising levels with weight recovery. However, it is unclear whether this increase leads to normalization or supranormal levels, a difference that is potentially important for the etiology of anorexia nervosa and relapse. METHODS We measured serum BDNF at admission (n = 149), discharge (n = 130), 1-year follow-up (n = 116) and 2.5-year follow-up (n = 76) in adolescent female patients with anorexia nervosa hospitalized for the first time, and in healthy controls (n = 79). We analyzed associations with body mass index, eating disorder psychopathology and comorbidities. RESULTS Serum BDNF was only nominally lower at admission in patients with anorexia nervosa compared to healthy controls, but it increased continuously and reached supranormal levels at 2.5-year follow-up. BDNF was inversely associated with eating disorder psychopathology at discharge and positively associated with previous weight gain at 1-year follow-up. LIMITATIONS We compensated for attrition and batch effects using statistical measures. CONCLUSION In this largest longitudinal study to date, we found only nonsignificant reductions in BDNF in the acute stage of anorexia nervosa, possibly because of a shorter illness duration in adolescent patients. Supranormal levels of BDNF at 2.5-year follow-up could represent a pre-existing trait or a consequence of the illness. Because of the anorexigenic effect of BDNF, it might play an important predisposing role for relapse and should be explored further in studies that test causality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jochen Seitz
- From the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen, Germany (Borsdorf, Dahmen, Buehren, Scharke, Herpertz-Dahlmann, Seitz); the kbo-Heckscher Klinikum, Academic Teaching Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany (Buehren); the Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Germany (Dempfle); the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany (Egberts); the Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany (Ehrlich); the Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany (Ehrlich); the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany (Fleischhaker); the Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital, RWTH University Aachen (Konrad); the JARA-Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Juelich Research Centre, Germany (Konrad); the Oberberg Fachklinik Konraderhof, Cologne-Huerth, Germany (Schwarte); the Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany (Timmesfeld); the Department of Medical Informatics, Biometrics and Epidemiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany (Timmesfeld); the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Cologne City Hospitals, Germany (Wewetzer); the Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Germany (Biemann); the Cognitive and Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, RWTH Aachen University, Germany (Scharke)
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46
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Wu Z, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Guan X, Xiu M, Zhang X. Superoxide Dismutase, BDNF, and Cognitive Improvement in Drug-Naive First-Episode Patients With Schizophrenia: A 12-Week Longitudinal Study. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 25:128-135. [PMID: 34622272 PMCID: PMC8832226 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive improvement after antipsychotic agents in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) appears to involve redox regulation through neurotrophins such as brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). This study examined whether cognitive improvement was associated with the increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and whether higher levels of BDNF could have a permissive role in allowing SOD to improve cognition. METHODS We examined this hypothesis in 183 drug-naïve first-episode SCZ patients taking risperidone monotherapy for 12 weeks. We measured total copper-zinc SOD (CuZn-SOD), manganese SOD (Mn-SOD), and SOD activities and BDNF levels in these patients and compared their levels with 152 healthy controls. We assessed cognitive functioning and clinical symptoms at baseline and 12-week follow-up. RESULTS After treatment with risperidone, CuZn-SOD activity was significantly increased, and BDNF levels were slightly increased. Increased CuZn-SOD activity was associated with the cognitive effectiveness of risperidone monotherapy. The BDNF levels and SOD activities were correlated at baseline but not after 12-week treatment. Furthermore, baseline CuZn-SOD activity positively correlated with improvement on the delayed memory subscale of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status only in the high BDNF subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Our longitudinal study suggests that risperidone can enhance SOD activity and that, in combination with higher baseline BDNF levels acting in a permissive role, can improve cognitive impairments in SCZ. Greater baseline CuZn-SOD activity also may have predictive value for cognitive improvement of delayed memory in SCZ patients receiving risperidone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital; Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qinqin Liu
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital; Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoni Guan
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Meihong Xiu
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, China,Correspondence: Mei Hong Xiu, PhD, Changping District, Beijing, 100096, China ()
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Su X, Qiao L, Liu Q, Shang Y, Guan X, Xiu M, Zhang X. Genetic polymorphisms of BDNF on cognitive functions in drug-naive first episode patients with schizophrenia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20057. [PMID: 34625629 PMCID: PMC8501135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99510-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is reported to be involved in cognitive decline in patients with schizophrenia (SZ). Previous studies have found that cognitive deficits remain stable during the chronic disease phase in SZ, but the findings were inconsistent. The role of BDNF in cognitive deficits at different stage of illness remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of BDNF polymorphisms on cognitive deficits in drug-naïve first-episode (DNFE) patients and chronic patients with SZ. 262 DNFE patients, 844 chronic patients, and 1043 healthy controls were recruited to compare 4 polymorphisms in BDNF gene and cognitive function. We found that there was no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies between SZ patients and controls. However, they were closely related to cognitive functioning. BDNF rs2030324 polymorphism played a strong role in language performance only in DNFE patients with SZ. The language index of DNFE patients with rs2030324 TT and TC genotypes was worse than that of chronic patients, but there was no significant difference in CC genotypes between DNFE and chronic patients. Rs6265 had no significant effect on cognitive functioning in patients and controls. Our result suggests BDNF gene polymorphisms were related to different domains of cognitive function at the different stage of SZ, especially language in DNFE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuru Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Hebei Province Veterans Hospital, Baoding, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Qiao
- Lian Yang Community Health Service Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Shang
- Department of Psychiatry, Hebei Province Veterans Hospital, Baoding, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoni Guan
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Changping District, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihong Xiu
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Changping District, Beijing, 100096, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 16 Lincui Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
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Piotrkowicz M, Janoska-Jazdzik M, Koweszko T, Szulc A. The Influence of Psychotherapy on Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentration Levels and Gene Methylation Status: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4424. [PMID: 34640441 PMCID: PMC8509187 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotherapy is a well-established method of treating many mental disorders. It has been proven that psychotherapy leads to structural and functional changes in the brain; however, knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these changes is limited. Neuroplasticity and one of its mediators, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are potential research targets in this field. To define the role of BDNF concentration in serum, or in plasma, and BDNF promoter gene methylation in saliva or leucocytes, in psychotherapy, an extensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The literature review was conducted based on papers published up until May 2021 that included pre and post psychotherapy measurements of either BDNF concentration levels or promoter gene methylation status. Ten studies were indicated as eligible for analysis: eight studies that investigated peripheral BDNF concentration levels, one study that investigated methylation status, and one study that included an evaluation of both subject matters. Patients underwent cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy. Patients were diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or post-traumatic stress disorder. There were only three of the nine studies that showed statistically significant increases in BDNF concentration levels after psychotherapy. The two studies that involved BDNF gene methylation status showed a decrease in methylation after dialectical behavioral therapy of borderline patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Piotrkowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Partyzantow 2/4, 05-802 Pruszkow, Poland; (M.J.-J.); (T.K.); (A.S.)
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Norgren J, Daniilidou M, Kåreholt I, Sindi S, Akenine U, Nordin K, Rosenborg S, Ngandu T, Kivipelto M, Sandebring-Matton A. Serum proBDNF Is Associated With Changes in the Ketone Body β-Hydroxybutyrate and Shows Superior Repeatability Over Mature BDNF: Secondary Outcomes From a Cross-Over Trial in Healthy Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:716594. [PMID: 34489682 PMCID: PMC8417778 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.716594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) can upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mice, but little is known about the associations between BHB and BDNF in humans. The primary aim here was to investigate whether ketosis (i.e., raised BHB levels), induced by a ketogenic supplement, influences serum levels of mature BDNF (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF in healthy older adults. A secondary aim was to determine the intra-individual stability (repeatability) of those biomarkers, measured as intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Method: Three of the arms in a 6-arm randomized cross-over trial were used for the current sub-study. Fifteen healthy volunteers, 65–75 y, 53% women, were tested once a week. Test oils, mixed in coffee and cream, were ingested after a 12-h fast. Labeled by their level of ketosis, the arms provided: sunflower oil (lowK); coconut oil (midK); caprylic acid + coconut oil (highK). Repeated blood samples were collected for 4 h after ingestion. Serum BDNF levels were analyzed for changes from baseline to 1, 2 and 4 h to compare the arms. Individual associations between BHB and BDNF were analyzed cross-sectionally and for a delayed response (changes in BHB 0–2 h to changes in BDNF at 0–4 h). ICC estimates were calculated from baseline levels from the three study days. Results: proBDNF increased more in highK vs. lowK between 0 and 4 h (z-score: β = 0.25, 95% CI 0.07–0.44; p = 0.007). Individual change in BHB 0–2 h, predicted change in proBDNF 0–4 h, (β = 0.40, CI 0.12–0.67; p = 0.006). Change in mBDNF was lower in highK vs. lowK at 0–2 h (β = −0.88, CI −1.37 to −0.40; p < 0.001) and cumulatively 0–4 h (β = −1.01, CI −1.75 to −0.27; p = 0.01), but this could not be predicted by BHB levels. ICC was 0.96 (95% CI 0.92–0.99) for proBDNF, and 0.72 (CI 0.47–0.89) for mBDNF. Conclusions: The findings support a link between changes in peripheral BHB and proBDNF in healthy older adults. For mBDNF, changes differed between arms but independent to BHB levels. Replication is warranted due to the small sample. Excellent repeatability encourages future investigations on proBDNF as a predictor of brain health. Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03904433.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Norgren
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Makrina Daniilidou
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingemar Kåreholt
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Gerontology, School of Health and Welfare, Aging Research Network - Jönköping (ARN-J), Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Shireen Sindi
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrika Akenine
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Inflammation and Aging, Medical Unit Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Nordin
- Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Staffan Rosenborg
- Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tiia Ngandu
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Population Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Theme Inflammation and Aging, Medical Unit Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine and Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Research & Development Unit, Stockholms Sjukhem, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandebring-Matton
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Ageing Epidemiology (AGE) Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Noto MN, Maes M, Vargas Nunes SO, Ota VK, Cavalcante D, Oliveira G, Rossaneis AC, Verri WA, Cordeiro Q, Belangero SI, Gadelha A, Noto C, Bressan RA. BDNF in antipsychotic naive first episode psychosis: Effects of risperidone and the immune-inflammatory response system. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 141:206-213. [PMID: 34246975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the immune-inflammatory response system (IRS) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, no research examined the associations between BDNF and immune activation both before and after treatment in antipsychotic-naïve first episode psychosis (AN-FEP). This study aims to examine serum BDNF levels and their association with IRS and the compensatory immune-regulatory reflex system (CIRS) in AN-FEP before and after risperidone treatment. We included 31 AN-FEP and 22 healthy controls. AN-FEP showed reduced levels of BDNF as compared to controls, and BDNF levels normalized after treatment with risperidone. BDNF levels were inversely correlated with a greater IRS response. Higher levels of IRS/CIRS biomarkers were associated with lower levels of BDNF including M1 macrophage, T-helper (Th)-1, Th-2, and Th-17, and T-regulatory (Treg) cell responses. Our findings indicate that AN-FEP is characterized by decreased levels of BDNF, which are normalized after treatment with risperidone. BDNF levels were inversely associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways. The findings support the hypothesis that, increased IRS is linked to neurotoxicity, and that a decrease in BDNF may be part of the IRS/CIRS responses in FEP and, thus, be involved in the development of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariane Nunes Noto
- GAPi (Early Psychosis Group), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; IMPACT, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Vanessa Kiyomi Ota
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Cavalcante
- GAPi (Early Psychosis Group), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovany Oliveira
- GAPi (Early Psychosis Group), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Rossaneis
- Department of Pathology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | - Waldiceu A Verri
- Department of Pathology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | - Quirino Cordeiro
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Ciências Médica da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sintia Iole Belangero
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ary Gadelha
- GAPi (Early Psychosis Group), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Schizophrenia Program (PROESQ), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Noto
- GAPi (Early Psychosis Group), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Schizophrenia Program (PROESQ), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Affonseca Bressan
- GAPi (Early Psychosis Group), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Schizophrenia Program (PROESQ), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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