CHANGES IN SERUM LEVELS OF BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR WITH ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY AND PHARMACOTHERAPY AND ITS CLINICAL CORRELATES IN MALE SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Akbas ◽  
Ozlem Devrim Balaban

Abstract Objectives: It has been postulated that neurotrophin dysregulation leads to disorganization in neuronal networks, which results in schizophrenia. The current study sets out to evaluate if the finding of lower 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 analyzed. Results: Mean BDNF levels of healthy individuals was 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 change 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 couldn’t find significant increase in serum BDNF levels with ECT+PT or only PT as some previous studies suggested.

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S282-S282 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Eckert ◽  
S. Karen ◽  
J. Beck ◽  
S. Brand ◽  
U. Hemmeter ◽  
...  

The protein brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major contributor to neuronal plasticity. There is numerous evidence that BDNF expression is decreased by experiencing psychological stress and that accordingly a lack of neurotrophic support causes depression. The use of serum BDNF concentration as a potential indicator of brain alteration is justified through extensive evidence. Recently, we reported, for the first time, a relationship between BDNF and insomnia, since we could show that reduced levels of serum BDNF are correlated with sleep impairment in control subjects, while partial sleep deprivation was able to induce a fast increase in serum BDNF levels in depressed patients. Using a bi-directional stress model as an explanation approach, we propose the hypothesis that chronic stress might induce a deregulation of the HPA system leading in the long term to sleep disturbance and decreased BDNF levels, whereas acute sleep deprivation, can be used as therapeutical intervention in some insomniac or depressed patients as compensatory process to normalize BDNF levels. Indeed, partial sleep deprivation (PSD) induced a very fast increase in BDNF serum levels within hours after PSD which is similar to effects seen after ketamine infusion, another fast-acting antidepressant intervention, while traditional antidepressants are characterized by a major delay until treatment response as well as delayed BDNF level increase. Moreover, we revealed that stress experience and subjective sleep perception interact with each other and affect serum BDNF levels. We identified sleep as a mediator of the association between stress experience and serum BDNF levels.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 1957-1961
Author(s):  
Deasy Hendriati ◽  
Elemeida Effendy ◽  
Mustafa Mahfud Amin ◽  
Vita Camellia ◽  
Muhammad Surya Husada

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that is multi-causative and multi-factor, generally affecting about 1% of the population. The elevation level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) offers several protections from other neurodegenerative processes that occur in schizophrenia since this deficit of neurotrophic factors can contribute to changes in brain structure and function that underlie the schizophrenia psychopathology.AIM: To analyse the correlation between BDNF serum levels and symptom severity by using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) instrument in Bataknese male patients with schizophreniaMETHODS: This study was a correlative analytical study with a cross-sectional approach using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) instrument to assess symptom severity with 60 subjects of Bataknese male patients with chronic schizophrenia. Moreover, this research was conducted at the Psychiatric Hospital of Prof. Dr M. Ildrem Medan, Indonesia. BDNF serum was analysed with the Quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique by via Quantikine ELISA Human CXCL8/IL-8 HS. Also, the data analysis was performed through Spearman's correlative bivariate analytics using SPSS software.RESULTS: A negative correlation between the BDNF serum level and the negative scale PANSS score in men with schizophrenia (r = -0.820, p < 0.001) was found. Moreover, there is a negative correlation between BDNF serum levels and PANSS total scores in men with schizophrenia (r = -0.648, p < 0.001)CONCLUSION: BDNF serum level in Bataknese male patients with schizophrenia has a relationship that affects the severity of symptoms in schizophrenic patients, especially for negative symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Yang ◽  
Hui Zhao ◽  
Xuebing Liu ◽  
Qin Xie ◽  
Xiaoliang Zhou ◽  
...  

Background: Cytokine levels can be changed in methamphetamine (METH) use disorders (MUDs) and primary psychosis. The present study assessed serum levels of some kinds of interleukins (ILs) in METH-associated psychosis (MAP) and their relationships with psychotic symptoms and cognitive dysfunction.Methods: Serum IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels were examined by chemiluminescence assays in MAP patients (n = 119) and healthy controls (n = 108). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) were administered.Results: Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly increased in MAP patients (all p &lt; 0.05). There was a negative relationship between IL-2R levels and PANSS positive (P) subscale scores (r = −0.193, p = 0.035). IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 levels were all negatively correlated with the naming, delayed recall and orientation subscores on the MOCA (r = −0.209, p = 0.022; r = −0.245, p = 0.007; r = −0.505, p &lt; 0.001, respectively).Conclusions: Our results indicate that immune disturbances are related to MAP and that IL-2R, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 are associated with the severity of psychotic symptoms and cognitive function impairment.


2020 ◽  
pp. 155005942093207
Author(s):  
Onur Durmaz ◽  
Tuba Öcek Baş

The aim of the current study was to investigate a possible relationship between electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) seizure adequacy parameters and clinical outcome as well as differences between ECT responders and nonresponders in terms of ECT seizure parameters in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. First and last ECT records data, sociodemographic variables, and baseline and post ECT Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores were obtained. Maximum sustained power was higher in last ECT in favor of responders while peak heart rate was higher in ECT nonresponders than responders in first ECT. Stimulus doses were higher in last ECT than in the first ECT in both groups. No predictor variable was observed among baseline ECT seizure parameters for clinical improvement. Study was insufficient to yield a precise finding pointing a relationship between electrophysiological seizure parameters and clinical outcome in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S187-S187
Author(s):  
M. Borovcanin ◽  
I. Jovanovic ◽  
S. Minic Janicijevic ◽  
N. Gajovic ◽  
N. Arsenijevic ◽  
...  

IntroductionGalectin-3 (Gal-3) is a unique member of the lectin family involved in cell proliferation, adhesion, apoptosis and immune responses. Deletion of the Gal-3 gene reduces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and variation of gene encoding for Gal-3 already showed to be related with cognitive function. Also, elevated Gal-3 sera levels were measured in patients with Alzheimer's disease.Aims and objectives We measured the serum concentrations of Gal-3 in patients with schizophrenia in remission and try to determine possible correlation of Gal-3 sera levels with clinical parameters, especially cognitive aspects.MethodsIn this pilot study were included patients with schizophrenia in remission on three months stable depot antipsychotic medication (risperidone and paliperidone) (n = 27) and healthy controls (n = 18). Serum levels of Gal-3 were measured using sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits, specific for humans (R&D Systems, Minneapolis). Cognition was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) cognitive factors.ResultsHigher mean values of Gal-3 were measured in patients with schizophrenia in remission compared with healthy volunteers (1389.69 vs. 994.23 pg/mL; P = 0.011), but correlation with PANSS cognitive factor was not established (P = 0.748).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the role of Gal-3 should be explored further, in different stages of disorder and depending on applied therapy, but also considering specific cytokine milieu.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s770-s771
Author(s):  
E. Yildizhan ◽  
N.B. Tomruk ◽  
M. Dereli ◽  
A. Özdemir ◽  
H. Yıldırım ◽  
...  

Introduction.Pseudocholinesterase (PCHE) deficiency is an inherited condition, in which recovery from anesthetic agents like succinylcholine and mivacurium is slow and complicated with prolonged paralysis of respiratory muscles in susceptible patients. Succinylcholine is used very frequently as a muscle relaxant during the procedure.Objectives.In Bakirkoy research and training hospital for psychiatric and neurological diseases, 24.310 patients were hospitalized for acute conditions and 3490 of these patients were treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in 3 years. We present a very rare case that we encountered in our practice; a severe PCHE deficiency case that could have complicated the modified ECT procedure unless necessary precautions were taken.Aims.Detection of PCHE levels of all patients eligible for ECT is part of our pre-ECT assessments procedure, and the case presented here shows the benefits of this method.Methods.The patient is a 29-year-old woman, with a 15 year history of schizophrenia. She was hospitalized for homicidal risk and refusal of treatment. Inadequate clinical response with pharmacological interventions and continuous aggressive excitations directed us to consider ECT.Results.After the detection of PCHE deficiency (PCHE level: 126 U/L), we performed the modified ECT with propophol and rocuronium instead of succinylcholine as usual. Sugammadex 100 mg was used for fastening the recovery. Response to treatment, which is recorded with positive and negative syndrome scale, was good and we completed 9 ECT sessions without complication.Conclusions.Screening for PCHE levels in the pre-ECT assessments is efficacious in order to decrease the complications of the ECT procedure.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 817
Author(s):  
Unnati Saxena ◽  
Anuradha Nischal ◽  
Anil Nischal ◽  
Abbas Ali Mahdi ◽  
Manu Agarwal ◽  
...  

Background: Schizophrenia comprises a group of disorders with heterogeneous etiologies, it includes patients whose clinical presentations, treatment response, and courses of illness vary. This study was carried to study the clinical efficacy and safety of Lurasidone versus Risperidone on psychopathology and cognition in patients with first episode of schizophrenia.Methods: Patients diagnosed with first episode of schizophrenia were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to 80 mg/d (n = 27) of Lurasidone or 6mg/d (n = 27) of Risperidone. Efficacy assessments included Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores, Schizophrenia cognition rating scale (SCoRS). IL-6 estimation was done and safety assessment was done using UKU side effect rating scale.Results: During the eight weeks of study; significant improvement was observed in PANSS total and all its subscale scores with both Lurasidone and Risperidone. Mean change in PANSS scores were not significant between the groups (-32.93 vs -35.33 p>0.05). Mean change in SCoRS scores were significantly higher in Lurasidone group as compared to risperidone group (-8.43 vs -2.34, p<0.001). Significant reduction in the IL-6 levels with both the groups but mean change in IL-6 levels were not significant between the group (-10.47 vs -8.31, p>0.05). UKU side effect rating scores were significantly higher with Risperidone as compared to Lurasidone (p<0.001).Conclusions: Lurasidone is as effective as Risperidone in improving psychopathology in patient of schizophrenia. Lurasidone proved more efficacious in improving cognition as compared to Risperidone. Both the treatment modalities are efficacious in lowering IL-6 levels. Lurasidone causes less adverse effects as compared to Risperidone.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijuan Huo ◽  
Zhiwei Zheng ◽  
Xiaobing Lu ◽  
Fengchun Wu ◽  
Yuping Ning ◽  
...  

Objectives: There are relatively few studies on mechanisms of cognitive deficits in late-life schizophrenia (LLS). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as an important neuroplastic molecule, has been reported to be involved in neurocognitive impairment in schizophrenia. This study aimed to examine whether peripheral BDNF levels were associated with cognitive deficits in LLS, which has not been explored yet.Methods: Forty-eight LLS patients and 45 age-matched elderly controls were recruited. We measured all participants on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) for cognition and serum BDNF levels. Psychopathological symptoms in patients were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).Results: The levels of BDNF in LLS patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (8.80 ± 2.30 vs. 12.63 ± 5.08 ng/ml, p &lt; 0.001). The cognitive performance of LLS patients was worse than that of the controls on RBANS total score and scores of immediate memory, attention, language, and delayed memory (all p ≤ 0.005). BDNF was positively associated with attention in LLS patients (r = 0.338, p = 0.019).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that older patients with schizophrenia exhibit lower BDNF levels and more cognitive deficits than older controls, supporting the accelerated aging hypothesis of schizophrenia. Moreover, decreased BDNF is related to attention deficits, indicating that BDNF might be a candidate biomarker of cognitive impairments in LLS patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-28
Author(s):  
Raghavi Chenniappan ◽  
Hanumanthappa Nandeesha ◽  
Shivanand Kattimani ◽  
Nandakumar Dalavaikodihalli Nanjaiah

Background: Alteration in cytokine levels are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Objectives: To estimate the serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and their association with disease progression in schizophrenia. Methods: A total of 67 schizophrenia cases were enrolled in the present study. IL-17 and IL-10 were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate disease severity. Results: IL-17 was positively correlated with positive symptom score ( r = 0.256, p = .036), general psychopathology score ( r = 0.255, p = .038) and total score ( r = 0.273, p = .025) in schizophrenia. IL-17 and IL-10 were significantly increased in schizophrenia cases with PANSS more than 85 compared to those with 71–85. Conclusion: IL-17 and IL-10 are associated with disease severity in schizophrenia but are not good markers for predicting the disease progression.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihsan Cetin ◽  
Omer F. Demirel

AbstractObjective:Under various patho-physiological and physiological conditions, spectrin breakdown reactions generate several spectrin breakdown products of 120 kDa (SBDP120) and 145 kDa (SBDP145). Previous studies indicating that there is the existence of a raised breakdown of α-spectrin in schizophrenic left superior temporal cortices. In this study, we aimed to investigate serum levels of SBDP120 and SBDP145, which has not been previously examined, and investigate their relationships with clinical parameters in patients with schizophrenia.Methods:Forty-four patients with schizophrenia, followed by psychotic disorders unit, and 44 healthy controls, age and gender-matched volunteers with no psychiatric history, were included in this study. Sociodemographic form was applied to both groups. Turkish version of positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) were implemented to the patients. Serum SBDP120 and SBDP145 levels were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay.Results:Serum SBDP120 ng/mL and SBDP145 ng/mL levels of the patients with schizophrenia were significantly higher than healthy controls. Even more important, serum SBDP120 levels were positively correlated with PANSS scores in patients with schizophrenia.Conclusions:These findings may provide evidence for disturbance of neuroplasticity, membrane/cytoskeleton stability, dynamics, and remodelling in schizophrenia patients and support the neurogenerative theories for explaining the etiology of schizophrenia.


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