The relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic schizophrenia: A systematic review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Schizophrenia is a serious long-term disorder in which the metabolic complications and abnormalities of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can be found. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of the relationship between BDNF, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in schizophrenic patients.

METHODS

Data were collected mainly from PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ProQuest databases. The keywords related to the BDNF, MetS, schizophrenia were searched. Two reviewers independently screened 1061 abstracts. And eventually, a total of 7 studies (6 observational and 1 interventional) was included in the systematic reviews.

RESULTS

Four of the 7 study ascertained statistically significant inverse relationship between serum BDNF levels and MetS in schizophrenic patients. While in the other two studies, there was no inverse relationship. In the last selected study, the researchers found a weak association between the Val66Met polymorphism in BDNF Gene and clozapine-induced MetS.

CONCLUSION

Although this relationship could not be determined but BDNF levels appear to be reduced in schizophrenic patients with MetS and factors such as sex and antipsychotic class differentiation, sampling and methodology and episodes of illness could play a role in the results and outcomes.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Amnesia in Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the oldest procedure among the early biological treatments introduced in psychiatry. However, the most debated and treatment-limiting adverse effect of ECT is amnesia. Therefore, due to the restriction of the use of drugs to manage amnesia in patients undergoing ECT, the present study investigated the effect of reflexology on amnesia.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 68 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received foot reflexology with olive oil 20 minutes a day for 3 days, while the control group was given a gentle foot rub with olive oil 20 minutes a day for 3 days. The amnesia rate of all patients was measured by the Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) 30 minutes after the end of ECT. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5 and t-test, chi-squared test, and repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: The results showed that reflexology significantly increased recalling scores in the intervention group compared to the control group. Foot reflexology seems to be effective in managing amnesia in patients after ECT.

Conclusion: Foot reflexology, as a relatively simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive technique with few side effects, can be used to manage amnesia in patients after ECT.

The efficacy of zinc augmentation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder under treatment with methylphenidate: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Regarding to the role of the zinc in the metabolism of the central nervous system and the correlation of zinc supplementation in the treatment of any Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, this study was conducted to evaluate the complementary effects of this nutrient.

METHOD

This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial study and 60 children with ADHD who were treated with methylphenidate were chosen by random allocation and were divided in the two groups: 30 for the case and 30 for the control group. The treatment in case group was augmented with zinc. Duration of study was six weeks.

RESULT

Forty eight (80%) of participants were boy and 12 (20%) were girl. The mean age of patients was 9.6 ± 1.70 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups after the intervention in terms of total score, hyperactivity and impulsivity subscales during variance analysis, but there was a significant difference between the mean of inattention score.

CONCLUSION

Augmentation with zinc can enhance the improvement of inattention.

Plasma levels of serotonin, gastrointestinal symptoms,and sleep problems in children with autism

BACKGROUND/AIM

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder identified with higher frequency of serotonin abnormalities and gastrointestinal (GI) and sleep problems. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma levels of serotonin, GI symptoms, and sleep problems, and their relationship with autism severity in children with autism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five children with autism and 31 healthy subjects were studied. GI problems, sleep disorders, and severity of disorder were assessed. Plasma serotonin was determined using ELISA.

RESULTS

There was no significant association between GI problems and autism severity, but a significant positive correlation was seen between different indicators of sleep disorder and severity of autism. Plasma levels of serotonin were significantly higher in autistic children and a significant negative correlation was observed between plasma levels of serotonin and autism severity (r = -0.39, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Elevated plasma serotonin in autistic children and its negative correlation with disease severity may indicate involvement of the neurotransmitter in the neurophysiologic mechanism of autism.