Low serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with schizophrenia do not elevate after antipsychotic treatment

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been suggested to be involved in the etiology of schizophrenia. There is a line of evidence that disruption of neurotrophins could play a role in the etiology of schizophrenia, and antipsychotics show their effect by altering levels of neurotrophins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antipsychotics on serum BDNF levels and their relationship with the symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Twenty-two schizophrenia patients were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 22 age- and sex-matched physically and mentally healthy volunteers (7 male, 15 female). Serum BDNF levels and the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores were recorded at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. Serum BDNF levels were also recorded in the control group. Schizophrenia patients who failed to meet 30% improvement in PANSS score were excluded from the study. The baseline serum BDNF levels of schizophrenia patients were lower than those of controls (t = 4.56; df = 21; p < 0.001). There was no correlation between serum BDNF levels and PANSS scores in patients with schizophrenia (p > 0.05). Although PANSS (for positive symptoms p < 0.001, for negative symptoms p < 0.001) and general psychopathology (t = 20.9; df = 22; p < 0.001) scores improved significantly after 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment; there was no change in BDNF levels in patients' serum (p > 0.05). Our results support the view that BDNF would be associated with schizophrenia. However, we could not conclude that treatment with antipsychotics alters serum BDNF levels in patients with schizophrenia.     

偏执型分裂症外周血IL-1β、TNF-α和酪氨酸羟化酶mRNA表达水平与临床症状的关系

目的检测偏执型精神分裂症患者白介素-1β、肿瘤坏死因子-α和酪氨酸羟化酶（TH）的基因表达水平,探讨其与临床症状的关系。方法采用RT-PCR和半定量技术,分别检测39例偏执型精神分裂症患者和30例正常对照外周血单个核细胞IL-1β、TNF-α和TH的基因表达水平,同时应用PANSS量表评定偏执型精神分裂症患者临床症状。结果研究显示病例组的IL-1β、TNF-α、TH基因表达水平均显著高于正常对照组（P〈0.01）。且同时发现IL-1β（r=0.420）、TNF-α（r=0.430）基因表达水平与PANSS量表的一般病理症状分显著相关（P〈0.01）。结论偏执型精神分裂症患者可能存在致炎性细胞因子和儿茶酚胺类神经递质的过度表达;致炎性细胞因子可能参与偏执型精神分裂症一般病理症状的形成。     

帕利哌酮对精神分裂症患者临床症状、认知功能及神经营养因子的影响

目的探讨帕利哌酮对精神分裂症患者的临床症状、认知功能及神经营养因子水平的影响,为临床精神分裂症的合理用药提供参考。方法选取在天津市安定医院住院的符合《国际疾病分类(第10版)》(ICD-10)精神分裂症诊断标准的患者60例为研究组,同期选取60例健康志愿者作为对照组。研究组接受帕利哌酮治疗12周。于治疗前后采用阳性和阴性症状量表(PANSS)评定研究组临床症状;采用Stroop测验(SCWT)、数字符号编码测验(DSCT)、持续操作测验(CPT)和连线测验A(TMTA)评定对照组和研究组认知功能;采用酶联免疫吸附技术检测两组血清脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、神经生长因子(NGF)和神经营养因子3(NT-3)水平。结果研究组治疗前后PANSS总评分比较差异有统计学意义[(78.12±11.84)分vs.(38.45±7.24)分,Z=24.14,P0.01];治疗后,研究组认知功能指标(SCWT、CPT、DCST及TMTA时间)、BDNF、NGF及NT-3水平均较治疗前高,但仍低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P均0.01)。结论帕利哌酮有助于改善精神分裂症患者的临床症状和认知功能,治疗机制可能与上调血清神经营养因子水平有关。     

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum and plasma levels in the treatment of acute schizophrenia with olanzapine or risperidone: 6-week prospective study

Antipsychotics have been the mainstay of the treatment of schizophrenia, and their potential role in neuroprotection could be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). So far different effects on both serum and plasma levels of BDNF were reported related to the various antipsychotic treatments. Aim of this study was to investigate the influence of olanzapine or risperidone on both plasma and serum levels of BDNF in patients with acute schizophrenia. For 50 participants with acute episode of schizophrenia both plasma and serum BDNF, along with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression scale, were assessed pretreatment and post treatment – after 6 weeks of either risperidone or olanzapine. Results show that a weak correlation between pretreatment plasma and serum levels of BNDF was found no longer significant after 6 weeks of treatment. Antipsychotics, olanzapine and risperidone showed no significant effect on post treatment plasma and serum levels of BDNF. Pretreatment plasma level of BDNF and PANSS positive subscale were positively correlated. Post treatment serum level of BDNF and Clinical Global Impression were negatively correlated. In conclusion, plasma and serum BDNF levels could be different markers to some extent with regard to clinical symptoms, response to therapy and outcome. The interrelation between serum and plasma BDNF should be established in further studies.     

78例首发精神分裂症患者细胞因子的研究

目的探讨细胞因子在精神分裂症病理、生理机制中的作用。方法采用放射免疫法对78例首发精神分裂症患者和35名正常人的血浆白细胞介素1β（IL-1β）、白细胞介素2（IL-2）、白细胞介素6（IL-6）、白细胞介素8（IL-8）、α-肿瘤坏死因子（TNFα）进行检测,同时用阳性与阴性症状量表（PANSS）评定精神分裂症患者精神症状。结果精神分裂症患者血浆IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8、TNFα水平均显著高于正常对照组,IL-2显著低于正常对照组。结论提示精神分裂症患者的免疫功能处于亢进状态,细胞因子与精神病理之间有着一定关系。     

Investigation of serum BDNF levels in drug-naive patients with schizophrenia

The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is to promote and modulate the neuronal responses across neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Therefore, abnormal BDNF signaling may be associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Decreased BDNF levels in the brain and the serum of patients with psychotic disorders have been reported. In the present study, we assessed serum BDNF levels in a group of 14 drug-naive first-episode patients with schizophrenia (FEP), compared to 15 healthy controls. The serum BDNF levels in the sample of FEP patients was significantly reduced compared to normal controls (23.92+/-5.99 ng/ml vs. 30.0+/-8.43 ng/ml, F=5.01, df=1, p=.034). Negative correlations were shown between serum BDNF levels of the patients and the PANSS Positive and Negative subscale scores. Our findings indicate that BDNF levels at the onset of schizophrenia may reflect associated pathophysiological processes as well as the severity of positive and negative psychotic symptoms.     

Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients with metabolic syndrome

Our previous study showed that metabolic abnormalities reduced the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and deteriorated cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia. Inflammation may play a key role in this process. Omega-3 fatty acids have been documented to ameliorate inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids may be of value in enhancing BDNF levels and improving cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We recruited 80 patients with both schizophrenia and MetS who received long-term olanzapine monotherapy. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The patients were randomly assigned to the OMG-3 group (n = 40) or the placebo group (n = 40). Of the 80 patients who consented to the study, 72 completed this 12-week RCT. The primary outcome was the changes from baseline to 12 weeks in clinical characteristics and the levels of BDNF, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α. There was a significant correlation between omega-3 fatty acid treatment and enhanced delayed memory factor in the RBANS assessment (F_group×time = 6.82; df = 1, 66; P = 0.01) when the patients completed this study. Along with cognitive improvement, omega-3 fatty acids enhanced BDNF (F_group×time = 4.93; df = 1, 66; P = 0.03) and reduced CRP (F_group×time = 17.11; df = 1, 66; P < 0.01), IL-6 (F_group×time = 9.71; df = 1, 66; P < 0.004) and TNF-α (F_group×time = 6.71; df = 1, 66; P = 0.012) levels after 12 weeks of treatment. The changes in BDNF levels are negatively correlated with the changes in TNF-α levels (r = −0.37, P = 0.03) but not with the changes in CRP and IL-6 levels. Our findings provide suggestive evidence that omega-3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on cognitive function in patients with MetS, which is paralleled by enhanced BDNF levels.     

Prolactin serum levels correlate with inflammatory status in drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia

Objectives. The present study was to examine the relationship between serum levels of prolactin and the inflammatory status in drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia patients with normal weight. Methods. Patients with normal weight, drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia and healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of prolactin (PRL) were measured using electrical chemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Sixty patients with normal weight, drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls were enrolled. The schizophrenia group had higher serum levels of PRL, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α compared with the control group. There was a gender difference of hyperprolactinemia in schizophrenia group. There were positive relationships between serum levels of PRL and serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α within the schizophrenia group. Within the schizophrenia group, TNF-α was the strongest predictor among the three cytokines for serum levels of prolactin after controlling for gender, age, education, smoking status and disease duration. Conclusions. Patients with normal weight, drug-naïve, first-episode schizophrenia present elevated serum levels of PRL, which might be related to the up-regulated inflammatory status in this patient population.     

吸烟的首发精神分裂症患者脑源性神经营养因子与精神症状认知功能关系的对照研究

目的探讨吸烟与非吸烟首发精神分裂症患者临床症状、认知功能与BDNF的相关性。方法符合美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册第四版(DSM-Ⅳ)诊断标准的首发精神分裂症住院患者81例,其中吸烟27例,非吸烟54例。采用阳性和阴性症状量表(PANSS)、威斯康星卡片分类(WCST)、重复性神经心理测查系统(RBANS)评估精神症状和认知功能,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清BDNF水平。结果吸烟组PANSS总分、阴性症状分、一般精神病理症状分均高于非吸烟组(t=2.5,2.0,2.0,P均0.05),吸烟组的正确应答数显著高于非吸烟组,吸烟组错误应答数显著低于非吸烟组(t=2.02,-2.26,P均0.05)。吸烟组患者血清BDNF水平为(8.8±4.6)μg/L,非吸烟组为(9.2±4.3)μg/L,两组比较差异不显著,无统计学意义(t=0.38,υ=83,P0.05);吸烟患者BDNF与患者总病程、PANSS总分、一般精神病理症状分呈显著正相关(r=0.66,0.54,0.54,P均0.05);与RBANS词汇回忆、故事回忆、图形回忆、编码测验分值、延时记忆因子呈显著负相关(r=-0.48,-0.45,-0.45,-0.53,P均≤0.05);非吸烟患者BDNF与PANSS中阳性症状分呈显著正相关(r=0.27,P0.05)。结论吸烟精神分裂症患者BDNF水平与精神症状可能存在相关性。     

Elevated interleukin-2, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 serum levels in neuroleptic-free schizophrenia: association with psychopathology

Cytokines have been one of the recent focal points of immunological research in schizophrenia. The present study was to assess the serum levels of some of interleukins in schizophrenia and their relationships with the psychopathological parameters. Seventy physically healthy Chinese patients, who met DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia and who were drug-free for at least 2 weeks, were compared with 30 age- and sex-matched Chinese normal controls. The psychopathology of schizophrenia was assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum IL-2 level was assayed by radioimmunometric assay (RIA). Serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated in patients with a chronic form of schizophrenia (all p<0.05). There was a significant inverse relationship between IL-2 level and the PANSS positive subscale P (r=-0.31, p=0.006) and a significant positive correlation between IL-8 level and PANSS negative subscale N (r=0.25, p=0.036) in schizophrenic patients. In control subjects, a significant and positive relationship between serum IL-2 and IL-6 (r=0.513, p=0.004) was noted, whereas, there was a significant and negative relationship between IL-2 and IL-8 in schizophrenic patients (r=-0.28, p=0.02). Our data confirms and supports the view that immune disturbance is involved in schizophrenia, which is compatible with the possibility that Chinese schizophrenic patients have an ongoing autoimmune process. This immune disturbance is related to the subgroup of schizophrenic patients with characteristic clinical variables. The dysfunction of interaction or inter-adjustment between different cytokines may exist in schizophrenic patients.     

2型糖尿病认知功能障碍患者血清IL-6、TNF-α的水平

目的探讨2型糖尿病(DM)患者认知功能障碍与血清白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平之间的关系,并分析影响认知功能的其他因素。方法选取2型糖尿病患者(112例)的年龄、性别、受教育程度无明显差异(P>0.05)的正常对照组(100例)。根据蒙特利尔认知评估量表(MoCA)测评,将2型糖尿病患者分为糖尿病认知障碍组(32例)、糖尿病非认知障碍组(80例)。用ELISA法测定血清IL-6和TNF-α水平,并测定空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白、血脂、体重指数、血压等指标。结果 2型糖尿病认知障碍组与非认知障碍组比较,糖尿病病程、空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白、胰岛素治疗、体重指数差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);糖尿病认知障碍组血清IL-6和TNF-α水平高于糖尿病非认知障碍组(P<0.01)及正常对照组(P<0.01);2型糖尿病患者的MoCA评分与年龄、糖尿病病程、空腹血糖、HbA1c、LDL、TC、BMI及血清IL-6、TNF-α水平呈负相关(r分别=-0.349、-0.438、-0.415、-0.397、-0.193、-0.259、-0.221、-0.938、-0.881,P均<0.05),与受教育年限呈正相关(r=0.192,P<0.05)。结论血清IL-6和TNF-α水平升高是2型糖尿病患者认知功能下降的一个重要危险因素,提示炎症反应可能参与了糖尿病认知功能障碍的发病。     

Serum cytokine levels in Bell's palsy

OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of the serum levels of the cytokines (interleukine (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1b, IL-2r, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF - alpha)) in the patients with Bell's palsy. STUDY DESIGN: A clinical and laboratory study in which serum cytokine levels were compared between the patients who had Bell's palsy and healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with Bell's palsy and 30 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The blood samples of the patients and controls were obtained, and serum IL-1b, IL-2r, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF- alpha levels determined with chemiluminescence enzyme immunometric assay on an Immulite Immunoassay. The serum of the patients was taken between 2 days and 1 month after the disease. The assay was not in vitro lymphocyte stimulation. RESULTS: The IL-6, IL-8 and TNF- alpha levels were significantly higher in Bell's palsy than in controls (p < 0.05). The IL-1b and IL-2r levels were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The levels of cytokine IL-6, IL-8, TNF- alpha, IL-1b, IL-2r did not correlate with the degree of recovery (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: An alteration in the concentration of the cytokines is expected not only in many inflammatory and infectious diseases but also in Bell's palsy. Cytokines are not stored or preformed within cells. Therefore, high cytokine levels (IL-6 and IL-8, and TNF- alpha) should represent their production in response to underlying pathology in Bell's palsy, or these cytokines may be pathogenetic factors in Bell's palsy. However, serum levels of these cytokines do not help determine the prognosis in Bell's palsy as far as the results of this study are concerned.     

Higher plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) level is associated with SSRI- or SNRI-refractory depression

In the present study, we compared plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNFα), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)- or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)-responsive depressed patients (n = 31), SSRI- or SNRI-refractory depressed patients (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 30). The plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher in depressed patients than in healthy controls. Treatment with antidepressants significantly reduced plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, the plasma IL-6 level, but not the plasma TNF-α level, was higher in SSRI-refractory than SSRI-responsive depressed patients, and higher in SNRI-refractory than SNRI-responsive depressed patients. On the other hand, the plasma BDNF level was significantly lower in depressed patients than in healthy controls, whereas no difference was found in plasma BDNF levels between SSRI-responsive and -refractory depressed patients or between SNRI-responsive and -refractory depressed patients. These results suggest that higher plasma IL-6 activity is associated with the refractoriness of depression, and plasma IL-6 levels might be a predictor for response to SSRIs or SNRI.     

脑源性神经营养因子基因多态性与精神分裂症的关联研究

目的:探讨脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)基因多态性与精神分裂症的关联性.方法:以111例精神分裂症发作期患者与362例正常对照为研究对象,通过TagMan探针单核苷酸多态性(SNP)基因分型技术对BDNF基因及基因上游10 kb区域的标签SNPs rs6265和rs11030101进行基因分型,比较各组间基因型、等位基...     

重复经颅磁刺激对首发精神分裂症患者血清脑源性神经营养因子的影响

目的分析高频重复经颅磁刺激(rTMS)对首发精神分裂症患者血清脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)的影响。方法选取82例以阴性症状为主的首发精神分裂症患者,使用随机数表将82例患者分为对照组41例和观察组41例,2组均使用常规药物治疗,观察组同时予以真刺激治疗,对照组予以假刺激治疗,对比2组治疗结果。结果治疗4周后观察组PANSS(阳性和阴性症状量表)总分、阴性症状评分、一般病理评分及血清BDNF浓度均优于治疗前,且优于对照组(P0.05);对照组PANSS总分、阴性症状评分、阳性症状评分、一般病理评分及血清BDNF浓度与之前相比无明显变化(P0.05)。观察组BDNF浓度变化与PANSS总分及各因子的变化无明显相关性(P0.05)。结论rTMS可显著增加首发精神分裂症患者的血清BDNF水平,但血清BDNF水平变化与其临床症状的改善无明显相关性。     

Val66Met polymorphism association with serum BDNF and inflammatory biomarkers in major depression

Objectives: Current evidence supports participation of neurotrophic and inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Some studies reported an association between the Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene with MDD and peripheral BDNF levels. However, no previous studies have examined the association of this polymorphism with inflammation. The present study assessed the association of the Val66Met polymorphism with serum levels of BDNF and inflammatory markers among depressed outpatients.

Methods: All participants (n?=?73) met DSM-IV criteria for a unipolar depressive episode. The serum levels of BDNF and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ) were compared between individuals presenting with at least one Met allele (Met-carriers) and those homozygous for the Val allele.

Results: In our sample (84.9% female, mean age 52.4?±?10.3 years), 24.7% (n?=?18) were Met-carriers. After Bonferroni correction, the Met allele was significantly associated with higher BDNF and lower TNF-α. These associations persisted after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions: The pattern of low BDNF and high inflammation in MDD may be influenced by the Val66Met polymorphism. The association of a polymorphism in the BDNF gene with inflammatory markers in addition to BDNF levels suggests an interaction between these systems.     

血清Lp-PLA2,BDNF及Ang1-7表达水平与血管性痴呆患者病情严重程度的相关性

目的 探讨血管性痴呆(VD)患者血清脂蛋白相关磷脂酶A2(Lp-PLA2)、脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)及血管紧张素1-7(Ang1-7)表达水平及其与VD患者病情严重程度的相关性。方法 选取本院2017年10月-2019年10月收治的120例VD患者,依照简易精神状态检查量表(MMSE)分为轻度组、中度组和重度组,各40例,比较各组相关危险因素,颈动脉超声检测颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT),检测血清生化指标[低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、糖化血红蛋白(GHb)、空腹血糖(GLU)]、血清指标[Lp-PLA2,BDNF,Ang1-7、神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)]水平, 分析Lp-PLA2,BDNF及Ang1-7水平之间的相关性,也分析血清Lp-PLA2,BDNF及Ang1-7水平与MMSE评分的相关性。结果 3组患者年龄、受教育程度、高血压病史、高血脂症史、饮酒、吸烟等临床资料比较均无明显差异(P>0.05),冠心病史、糖尿病史、IMT比较均有明显差异(P<0.05); 3组患者血清LDL-C,HDL-C,TC,TG,GHb,GLU水平比较均无明显差异(P>0.05),血清Lp-PLA2,BDNF,Ang1-7,NSE,CRP,IL-6,TNF-α及Hcy水平比较均有明显差异(P<0.05)。相关性分析显示,血清Lp-PLA2,BDNF及Ang1-7与冠心病史、糖尿病史、血清NSE,CRP,IL-6,TNF-α,LDL-C,TC水平及MMSE评分存在明显相关性。结论 血清Lp-PLA2、BDNF及Ang1-7水平与血管性痴呆患者血清因子水平及VD患者的病情严重程度存在明显相关性,检测血清Lp-PLA2,BDNF及Ang1-7水平有助于VD患者的预防和治疗     

Reduced serum BDNF levels in patients with chronic schizophrenic disorder in relapse,who were treated with typical or atypical antipsychotics

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signals and dopaminergic function in the brain are strongly associated, and research on BDNF in schizophrenia may enhance our insights on the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disease. In the present study we aimed to investigate the possible association between serum BDNF levels and schizophrenic relapses and the possible differential effects of treatment with typical and atypical antipsychotics on serum BDNF levels in the same group of patients. We measured serum BDNF levels in 47 patients with schizophrenia during a relapse and again 6 weeks after administration of antipsychotic treatment (14 on risperidone, 18 on haloperidol, 10 on olanzapine and five on amisulpride) and in 44 healthy volunteers. Patients with schizophrenia showed reduced serum BDNF levels in relation to healthy volunteers at study entry. No significant differences were revealed in BDNF serum levels after 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment in the patients compared to their own levels at study entry. However, serum BDNF was significantly increased in the subgroup receiving olanzapine compared to the other antipsychotics. Our findings may indicate a differential effect of olanzapine on BDNF levels compared to haloperidol, risperidone, and amisulpride.     

Proinflammatory cytokines in the prefrontal cortex of teenage suicide victims

Teenage suicide is a major public health concern, but its neurobiology is not well understood. Proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in stress and in the pathophysiology of depression-two major risk factors for suicide. Cytokines are increased in the serum of patients with depression and suicidal behavior; however, it is not clear if similar abnormality in cytokines occurs in brains of suicide victims. We therefore measured the gene and protein expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tissue necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 24 teenage suicide victims and 24 matched normal control subjects. Our results show that the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly increased in Brodmann area 10 (BA-10) of suicide victims compared with normal control subjects. These results suggest an important role for IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the pathophysiology of suicidal behavior and that proinflammatory cytokines may be an appropriate target for developing therapeutic agents.     

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in depressed patients with schizophrenia

Aim: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are neurotrophins—proteins that induce the survival, development, and function of neurons. Their role in the development of schizophrenia and mood disorders is widely studied. This study was aimed to determine whether depression affects levels of BDNF and NT-3 in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Data for 53 Caucasian adult hospitalized patients with chronic paranoid schizophrenia was compared with 27 healthy subjects. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and positive, negative and general sub-scores, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and the Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI). Patients were defined as depressed (SHZ-DEP) with scores CDSS?>?6 and HDRS?>?7, otherwise they were included into the non-depressed group (SHZ-nonDEP). Results: In total, 17 patients (32.1%) with schizophrenia met criteria for depression. SHZ-DEP patients had higher scores in HDRS, CDSS, PANSS total, PANSS negative, PANSS general and CGI (p?p?=?0.045. NT-3 levels were higher in SHZ-DEP compared to SHZ-nonDEP: 133.31?±?222.19 versus 56.04?±?201.28 pg/mL, p?=?0.033. Conclusion: There were no differences in neurotrophin levels between patients with schizophrenia and controls. We found lower BDNF and higher NT-3 serum levels in depressed patients with schizophrenia.