Neurotrophic proteins in schizophrenia

Abstract

Research has been performed into the role of neurotrophic proteins in relation to both psychotic symptom as well as treatment effect of antipsychotics. In patients with first episode psychoses, a lower serum level of the neurotrophic protein Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), that is involved in synapse formation, was found. Another neurotrophic protein is S100B, which has a neuroprotective potential in low concentrations, but is neurotoxic at high concentrations. Increased concentrations of S100B were found in patients with predominantly negative symptoms whereas it has also been related to treatment efficacy.

In this study the relationship between the neurotrophic proteins BDNF and S100B and symptom profile on one hand and efficacy of antipsychotic treatment on the other hand was investigated. Symptom profile was assessed using CASH, PANSS and CGI-S/I at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment with antipsychotics. At the same time points, the serum concentrations of BDNF and S100B were measured.

This preliminary analysis comprises 23 patients. At baseline, mean total PANSS score was 88. After six weeks of treatment a symptomatic reduction of nearly 20% was reached. Only in a subgroup of patients with first episode psychosis, at baseline mean values of BDNF were significantly lower and that of S100B significantly higher, as compared to the group of patients with a relapsing or chronic course of disease. After 6 weeks of treatment, BDNF was increased and S100B was decreased to levels within normal range.

These preliminary data suggest an effect of antipsychotic treatment on brain neurochemical processes.