The relationship between metabolic syndrome,BDNF, and vitamin D in patients with schizophrenia

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between anthropometric (BMI and waist circumference), metabolic (glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, HbA1c, and lipid profile), psychopathologic (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS) parameters with vitamin D and serum brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with schizophrenia. The study population consisted of 54 healthy control subjects, and 64 volunteer patients, monitored in the psychiatry outpatient clinics of Antalya Education and Research Hospital. Serum glucose, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, total cholesterol levels (spectrophotometric method), HbA1c (HPLC method), insulin, and vitamin 25(OH)D (chemiluminescence method), with HOMA-IR (numerical calculation), and serum BDNF levels (sandwich ELISA, enzymelinked immunosorbent assay) were quantitatively evaluated using respective analytical methods indicated in parentheses. Twenty-seven (42.18%) of 64 schizophrenia patients were diagnosed with MetS. In schizophrenia patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS), PANSS-negative and -positive symptom scores were significantly higher, while serum BDNF levels were significantly lower. In patients with schizophrenia, significantly negative correlations were detected between PANSS-negative and -positive symptom scores, and BDNF (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), and also between PANSS-negative symptom score and vitamin D (p = 0.022). Lower serum BDNF levels may be related to increases in the possible development of MetS and psychotic symptoms. Decrease in vitamin D levels in schizophrenia patients may be associated with an increase in PANSS-negative symptom scores. In schizophrenia patients with MetS, psychotic symptoms may be more severe.     

Correlation of metabolic parameters,neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4 serum levels in women with schizophrenia and first-onset depression

Background: Neurotrophin-3 (NTF3) and neurotrophin-4 (NTF4) play a crucial role in the neurodevelopment, differentiation, survival, and protection of neurons in different brain regions. Schizophrenia and depression are highly associated with metabolic abnormalities. Longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons of NTF3 and NTF4 levels, as well as clinical and metabolic parameters, were studied in schizophrenia, first-episode depression, and control groups.

Materials and methods: Serum NTF3 and NTF4 levels, body mass index (BMI), fasting serum glucose and lipid profile: cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were measured at baseline and week 8 in 133 women: 55 patients with schizophrenia (19 with first-episode and 36 chronic), 30 patients with a first-episode depression and 48 healthy controls. The severity of the symptoms was evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory.

Results: Longitudinal and cross-sectional comparisons did not detect any differences in the serum levels of NTF3 and NTF4 between studied groups. NTF3 and NTF4 levels were strongly correlated. Correlation of NTF3 and HDL-C levels at baseline was observed. Significant changes in cholesterol and fasting serum glucose levels in first-episode depression patients during 8 weeks of treatment were detected. Significant differences in BMI and LDL-C levels between schizophrenia and first-episode depression patients were discovered.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first research which correlates NTF3 and NTF4 with metabolic parameters. Our study does not support the theory that the peripheral levels of NTF3 and NTF4 are disturbed in schizophrenia or first-episode depression.     

Association of plasma retinol-binding protein-4, adiponectin, and high molecular weight adiponectin with metabolic adversities in patients with schizophrenia

Objective

Metabolic adversities are prevalent in patients with schizophrenia. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin have been recently found to be associated with metabolic features in non-psychiatric population. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between metabolic features and RBP4, total adiponectin, and HMW adiponectin in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

We recruited 109 patients with schizophrenia treated with clozapine or haloperidol and evaluated their body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting plasma glucose, insulin, RBP4, total adiponectin, and HMW adiponectin levels.

Results

We found that patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) had higher RBP4 level, and lower total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin levels than those without MS. There were no significant differences in metabolic features and adipocytokine levels between patients treated with clozapine and haloperidol. Most of the metabolic indexes were significantly correlated with the levels of adipocytokines. After adjusting the effects of age, gender, and BMI, marginal significant correlations existed between TG and RBP4 levels; HDL-C and total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin; insulin and HOMA-IR and HMW adiponectin. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that all of the three adipocytokines could differentiate patients with MS from those without MS. Meanwhile, total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin, but not RBP4, had the differentiating power for insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Higher RBP4 and lower total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin levels were observed in schizophrenic patients with MS. Only HMW adiponectin is marginally correlated with insulin sensitivity. The finding that metabolic profiles, but not the antipsychotic types, are associated with adipocytokine levels should be confirmed in longitudinal studies.     

Both frequency and duration of rotating night shifts are associated with metabolic parameters: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRotating night shift work contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome and relevant diseases. However, the contribution of different aspects of rotating night shift is rarely studied.AimThis study investigated the association of frequency and duration of rotating night shift with metabolic parameters.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in nurses. Socio-demographic characteristics, duration and frequency of rotating night shifts, and metabolic parameters including body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure (BP), triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were collected. Sleep quality and perceived stress were assessed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) respectively. Ratio of rotating night shift years to age (RRSYA) was calculated to present cumulative effect. Metabolic parameters were log-transformed and z-transformed in sequence. Multiple linear regressions were applied to explore the effect of frequency and RRSYA on metabolic parameters. Mediation analysis was used to estimate potential mediating effect of sleep quality and perceived stress.ResultsFrequency of rotating night shift work was significantly associated with elevated FBG and BMI, and decreased LDL-C. RRSYA was significantly associated with higher BMI, TC, LDL-C, BP and FBG. Sleep quality exhibited significant mediating effect between rotating night shift features and FBG and BMI.ConclusionsOur results suggest that frequency and RRSYA are associated with metabolic profile alterations, but the effects are different. Sleep quality appears to be an important mediator of the night shift's metabolic effect. Proper shift arrangement and sleep quality assurance may reduce the negative metabolic changes.     

胆红素和脂质对脑卒中发病影响的差异性探讨

目的探讨血清胆红素和脂质及其综合指数与脑出血(CH)、短暂性脑缺血发作(TIA)及脑梗死(CI)的关系。方法对128例CH、108例TIA及104例CI急性期患者血清胆红素、胆固醇等指标进行检测,并进行对比分析。结果CI组年龄显著高于CH组(P<0.05)。TIA、CI组患者血清总胆红素(TBIL)、间接胆红素(IBIL)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)显著低于CH组(P<0.05或P<0.01),血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、非高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(n-HDL-C)水平及LDL-C/HDL-C、TC/HDL-CTG/HDL-C比值显著高于CH组(P<0.05或P<0.01);CI组患者血清直接胆红素(DBIL)/IBIL比值显著高于CH组(P<0.01),血清IBIL、HDL-C水平显著低于TIA组(P<0.05),血清LDL-C、n-HDL-C水平及LDL-C/HDL-C、TC/HDL-C比值显著高于TIA组(P<0.05或P<0.01),各组间其它指标间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论血清胆红素和脂质及其综合指数不同程度的变化与脑卒中关系密切。     

复发性与初发性脑梗死患者胰岛素抵抗的比较

目的 研究复发性与初发性脑梗死患者的胰岛素抵抗(IR)情况.方法 对42例复发性脑梗死、40例初发性脑梗死和30例对照组进行研究.测定并比较三组人群的体重指数(BMI)、平均动脉压(MAP)、糖化血红蛋白(HbAlC)、胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)、胰岛素敏感指数(ISI)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、颈动脉内膜-中层厚度(CIMT)等指标.结果 对照、初发卒中及复发卒中三组人群的HOMA-IR、ISI和CIMT存在显著的组间差异(P<0.05).脑梗死患者的ISI与TG、LDL-C、BMI、CIMT以及MAP呈负相关,与HDL-C呈正相关.结论 IR与脑梗死复发的关系需要进一步研究证实.     

首发精神分裂症患者及其正常一级亲属血脂和肥胖的研究

目的 研究在排除抗精神病药物影响下精神分裂症患者和其正常一级亲属的脂代谢以及肥胖情况.方法 选择58例符合中国精神障碍分类与诊断标准第三版（CCMD-3）和精神障碍诊断统计手册第四版（DSM-IV）中分裂症诊断标准的首发且未服药的精神分裂症患者（患者组）以及其22例正常一级亲属（亲属组）、24例普通人群（正常对照组）为研究对象,检测腰围、腰臀比、体重指数以及血脂水平（甘油三酯、总胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇）.结果 患者组的血脂异常发病率为20.7%,高于对照组的,且差异具有显著性（P＜0.05）;而且患者组高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平（1.31±0.28）mmol/L明显低于对照组的（1.46±0.28）mmol/L,差异亦具有显著性（P＜0.05）,而其他血脂代谢各项指标与对照组相比,都没有显著性差异（P＞0.05）.另外,亲属组的各个指标与对照组相比,均无显著性差异.结论 与普通人群相比,精神分裂症患者具有较高的血脂异常发病率,精神分裂症与脂代谢异常之间存在一定的相关性.     

首发精神分裂症患者代谢异常分析及奥氮平对其影响

目的 探讨首发精神分裂症患者代谢异常的情况及非典型抗精神病药物奥氮平对此可能的影响.方法 选取中山大学附属第三医院心理科自2010年2月至2011年2月收治的30例首发精神分裂症患者(病例组,予以奥氮平单药治疗4周)及40例健康者(对照组),分别在治疗前(基线)、后测定身高、体质量、腰围、臀围、总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、载脂蛋白AI(aPOAI)、载脂蛋白B100(aPOB100)、脂蛋白a(LPa)、空腹血糖(FBS)、空腹胰岛素(INS)及C肽,计算胰岛素抵抗指数(Ⅱ)、腰臀比(WHR)和体重指数(BMI),并将病例组与对照组、病例组治疗前后各项代谢指标进行比较分析.结果 病例组HDL、aPOAI明显低于对照组,腰臀比、IR、INS、C肽明显高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).病例组治疗后BMI、腰围、腰臀比、胰岛素、IR、TC、TG、LDL、aPOB 100较治疗前均有明显增高,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 精神分裂症患者本身可能存在某些代谢异常的易感素质,其高代谢异常发生率可能是其易感素质与抗精神病药物共同作用的结果.     

Risperidone and serum lipid profile changes in child and adolescent patients

Objectives

Atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) have been reported to cause metabolic dysregulation that can cause AAPs-related weight gain. The purpose of this study was to assess triglyceride, cholesterol, and weight changes among risperidone-treated children and youths.

Methods

Eighty-one subjects treated with risperidone for any psychiatric disturbances were included in the study. Fasting total low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured at the baseline and at the sixth month of treatment.

Results

TG, TC and LDL-C levels increased over time and reached statistical significance but there has been no change in HDL-C levels. Seven subjects (8.64%) crossed the threshold into clinically significant hypertriglyceridemia, four subjects (4.94%) crossed the threshold into clinically significant hypercholesterolemia, defined as going over the 95th percentile of published age normed plasma TG and TC levels, respectively. There was a positive correlation between TG and TC elevations and weight gain. There was no significant association with age, gender, diagnoses, risperidone dose and changes of serum TG, TC or LDL-C levels.

Conclusion

The present study identified significant associations between lipid dysregulation and risperidone treatment. Since there is little research available on long-term lipid profile follow-up with atypical antipsychotics treatment in children and youths, controlled studies in larger samples should be carried out to reveal the relationship between risperidone use and plasma lipid parameters in the pediatric population.     

The role of metabolic syndrome factors on cognition using latent variable modeling: The neurocognitive study on aging

Objective: Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been shown to increase the risk of cognitive decline, it still remains unclear whether the risk is related to MetS as a whole or its individual factors. The aim of the present study was to explore whether MetS or its individual factors are associated with a lower cognitive function in older adults in a Mediterranean population using latent variable modeling.

Method: Neurocognitive data from 640 Greek-Cypriot community dwellers (female 59.1%), aged ≥55 years, in good general health, were analyzed. Assessments of anthropometric, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations were carried out to investigate the relationship between MetS factors and cognitive–linguistic outcomes of language, executive function, and verbal episodic memory.

Results: When the MetS factors were modeled as a single latent variable, they had small negative effects on language and executive functions. Significance was not retained after age and education were controlled for. When individual MetS factors along with age and education were modeled as predictors, there were moderate negative age effects, whereas education yielded strong positive effects on all three cognitive outcomes. Weak significant negative coefficients of body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose were found for executive functions, and a weak significant positive effect of BMI was found for memory. Separate analysis by sex resulted in minor but significant differences.

Conclusion: BMI and blood glucose predicted cognitive performance after controlling for age and education, and thus their proper management should be taken into account for maintaining cognitive health in aging. Findings also demonstrate the importance of education and age in studies investigating cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive function, as well as the need for further research on the effects of sex.     

Lipid Levels and Short-Term Risk of Recurrent Brain Infarcts in Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis

ObjectivesHyperlipidemia is a strong risk factor for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and clinical stroke recurrence. We explored the effect of serum lipid levels on subclinical infarct recurrence in the Mechanisms of earlY Recurrence in Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease (MYRIAD) study.Materials and MethodsWe included enrolled MYRIAD patients with lipid measurements and brain MRI at baseline and brain MRI at 6-8 weeks. Infarct recurrence was defined as new infarcts in the territory of the symptomatic artery on brain MRI at 6-8 weeks compared to baseline brain MRI. We assessed the association between baseline total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels and recurrent infarct at 6-8 weeks using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong 74 patients (mean age 64.2±12.9 years, 59.5% were white, 60.8% men), 20 (27.0%) had new or recurrent infarcts. Mean HDL-C (37.2 vs. 43.9 mg/dL, P=0.037) was lower and TG (113.5 vs. 91.3 mg/dL, P=0.008) was higher while TC (199.8 vs. 174.3 mg/dL, P=0.061) and LDL-C (124.3 vs. 101.2 mg/dL, P=0.053) were nominally higher among those with recurrent infarcts than those without. LDL-C (adj. OR 1.022, 95% CI 1.004-1.040, P=0.015) and TG (adj. OR 1.009, 95% CI 1.001-1.016, P=0.021) were predictors of recurrent infarct at 6-8 weeks adjusting for other clinical and imaging factors.ConclusionsBaseline cholesterol markers can predict early infarct recurrence in patients with symptomatic ICAD. More intensive and rapid lipid lowering drugs may be required to reduce risk of early recurrence.     

Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk among institutionalized patients with schizophrenia receiving long term tertiary care

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular risk are highly prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia. This study aimed to determine the cardiometabolic profile and the associated risk factors in a group of institutionalized patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder receiving prolonged hospital care in the only tertiary psychiatric institution in Singapore.MethodsPatients residing in long stay wards who were hospitalized for a minimum period of 1 year were recruited. Fasting blood sample was collected to obtain levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides. Waist circumference, blood pressure, height and weight were also measured. The prevalence of MetS and the 10-year cardiovascular risk were determined.ResultsThis inpatient group had a mean age of 56.1 years and an average length of hospitalization of 8.8 years. The prevalence of MetS in this group was 51.9% and 26.9% based on the AHA/NHLBI and modified NCEP ATP III criteria respectively. Those in the high risk BMI category and those who had pre-existing diabetes had higher odds of MetS. Their 10-year cardiovascular risk was estimated at 12.8%, indicating intermediate risk based on the Framingham risk function.ConclusionDespite the low smoking rate in this group of inpatients, their cardiovascular risk appeared to be relatively high possibly due to old age and age-related conditions such as hypertension and low HDL. While literature has found the use of atypical antipsychotic medications to increase the risk of MetS, we did not find any significant association. Additionally, the duration of hospitalization did not affect the rate of MetS in our sample.     

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

Background & aimsSchizophrenia 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.MethodsData 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.ResultsFour 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.ConclusionAlthough 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.     

Severity of psychosis syndrome and change of metabolic abnormality in chronic schizophrenia patients: Severe negative syndrome may be related to a distinct lipid pathophysiology

BackgroundMetabolic abnormality is common among schizophrenia patients. Some metabolic traits were found associated with subgroups of schizophrenia patients.ObjectivesWe examined a possible relationship between metabolic abnormality and psychosis profile in schizophrenia patients.MethodThree hundred and seventy-two chronic schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics for more than 2 years were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. A set of metabolic traits was measured at scheduled checkpoints between October 2004 and September 2006.ResultsMultiple regressions adjusted for sex showed negative correlations between body mass index (BMI) and total score and all subscales; triglycerides (TG) was negatively correlated with total score and negative syndrome, while HDLC was positively correlated with negative syndrome. When sex interaction was concerned, total score was negatively correlated with BMI but not with others; negative syndrome was negatively correlated with BMI and positively with HDLC. No metabolic traits were correlated with positive syndrome or general psychopathology.ConclusionsLoss of body weight is a serious health problem in schizophrenia patients with severe psychosis syndrome, especially the negative syndrome. Schizophrenia patients with severe negative syndrome may have a distinct lipid pathophysiology in comparison with those who were less severe in the domain.     

Associations between sleep duration and abnormal serum lipid levels: data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)

BackgroundShorter or longer sleep duration has been reported to be associated with abnormal serum lipid levels, but the findings have been inconsistent. This study examined associations between sleep duration and abnormal serum lipid levels in a Korean adult population.MethodsThis study used the data of 13,609 people aged ≥20 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) in 2010–2012. Sleep duration was classified into five groups: ≤5, 6, 7 (reference category), 8, and ≥9 hours. The serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride were measured and defined in terms of abnormal serum lipid levels. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to determine the associations between sleep duration and abnormal serum lipid levels. The covariates included age, sex, education, marital status, current smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, depressive symptoms, and stress level.ResultsSelf-reported sleep duration of ≤5 hours was significantly associated with high TC and high LDL-C levels in unadjusted models, but after adjusting for age and sex, the statistical significance disappeared. On the other hand, after adjusting for covariates, self-reported sleep duration of ≥9 h was significantly associated with low HDL-C levels (odds ratio = 1.30; 95% confidence interval = 1.09–1.54).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that longer sleep duration is associated with low HDL-C levels among Korean adults.     

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among inpatients with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular disease is one of the most prevalent factors responsible for excess mortality in schizophrenia. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with the development of coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus. The aim in this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of MetS in schizophrenic Turkish inpatients. METHOD: The study was conducted from January 2006 to June 2006, and included 231 patients with schizophrenia. All participants were enrolled from inpatients attending the Samsun Mental Health Hospital psychiatry clinic. All subjects were aged between 18 and 65 and met the DSM IV criteria for schizophrenia. MetS was taken as central obesity (defined as waist circumference: men > or = 94 cm, women > or = 80 cm) and meeting > or = 2 of the following abnormalities described by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF): a serum triglyceride level > 150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol < 40 mg/dL in men and < 50 mg/dL in women, blood pressure > or = 130/85 mm Hg, and a fasting serum glucose level > or = 100 mg/d/L. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 174 male and 57 female patients. Mean age was 38.5 +/- 10.5 and mean duration of illness was 15.76 +/- 9.95 years. The overall prevalence of MetS diagnosed according to the IDF criteria was 32.0% (n = 74) and was higher in females (61.4%) than in males (22.4%; p = 0.0001). In logistic regression analysis the last step of the regression model was gender (B = 1.70, p = 0.0001, OR = 5.50, 95% CI = 2.90-10.45). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the prevalence of MetS in Turkish patients with schizophrenia is similar to that of the general population, but lower than in other reports regarding the schizophrenia population.     

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum level in women with first-episode depression,correlation with clinical and metabolic parameters

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences neuron differentiation during development, as well as the synaptic plasticity and neuron survival in adulthood. BDNF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and its serum level is a potential biomarker for depression. The aim of this study was to examine serum levels of BDNF in first-episode depression and its correlation with clinical and metabolic parameters.

Materials and methods: The study was performed on a group of 60 women: 30 diagnosed with a first-episode of depression and 30 healthy controls. 17-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) was used to assess the severity of depression. Patients were randomly chosen for treatment with sertraline or venlafaxine. BDNF serum levels and metabolic parameters: fasting serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were measured at baseline and week 8 of treatment.

Results: There were no differences between BDNF level in depressed patients compared with the healthy controls. Lack of differences in medication effect of sertraline or venlafaxine on HDRS-17 scores during 8 weeks of treatment was observed. Correlation of BDNF at baseline and fasting serum glucose at baseline and week 8 was detected.

Conclusions: Correlations of BDNF serum levels with metabolic parameters were observed.     

Association between altered lipid profiles and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in boys

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which is multifactorial, complex, and seen most commonly in childhood.

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that altered serum lipid profiles are associated with ADHD.

Methods: The study inluded 32 boys diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV-R criteria and a control group of 29 healthy subjects. All patients were assessed with The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version, the Turgay DSM-IV-based Disruptive Behavior Disorders Child and Adolescent Rating and Screening Scale, the Conners Parent Rating Scale-Revised Long Form, and the Conners Teacher Rating Scale. Measurements were taken of fasting plasma total cholesterol (T-Chol), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and 1-day food intake levels, and the groups were compared.

Results: The mean TC, LDL, and HDL levels were significantly lower in the ADHD group than the control group (p?=?.005, p?p?=?.002, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups’ TG levels (p?=?.295). No significant differences were determined between the combined-type ADHD patients and the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD in respect to the lipid profile.

Conclusion: The results of this study add to the growing body of evidence indicating an association between serum cholesterol and ADHD in boys. Further genetic and molecular studies are required to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying this relationship.     

肺炎衣原体感染与偏头痛的关系

目的探讨慢性肺炎衣原体(CPn)感染与偏头痛的关系。方法所有病例分为观察组(56例)与对照组(30例)。肺炎衣原体血清特异性IgG、IgM抗体采用酶联免疫吸附试验法,血清胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL-C)浓度检测采用全自动生化仪。结果观察组和对照组肺炎衣原体感染率分别为62.50%和36.67%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论偏头痛患者肺炎衣原体感染率明显增高,肺炎衣原体感染与偏头痛有关,可能是偏头痛发作的病因之一,深入研究可能探索偏头痛的发病机制及防治新途径。     

The Effectiveness of Cross-Tapering Switching to Ziprasidone in Patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

Objective

Switching antipsychotics is one useful therapeutic option when the treatment of schizophrenia encounters suboptimal efficacy and intolerability issues. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of cross-tapering switching to ziprasidone from other antipsychotics.

Methods

A total of 67 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited in this 12-week, multicenter, non-comparative, open-label trial. Prior antipsychotics were allowed to be maintained for up to 4 weeks during the titration of ziprasidone. Efficacy was primarily measured using the 18-item Brief Psychotic Rating Scale (BPRS) at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Efficacy was secondarily measured by the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale at each visit. Regarding the metabolic effects of switching to ziprasidone, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and lipid profile-including triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol levels-were measured at each follow-up visit.

Results

The BPRS scores were significantly improved at 12 weeks after switching to ziprasidone (F=5.96, df=2.11, p=0.003), whereas the CGI-S and GAF scores were not significantly changed. BMIs, WHRs, and TG levels were significantly decreased, with no significant changes in other lipid profiles.

Conclusion

Cross-tapering switching to ziprasidone is effective for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Beyond the efficacy of the procedure, favorable metabolic profiles show that switching to ziprasidone may be helpful for maintenance therapy over an extended period.