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Previous studies have suggested that schizophrenia is associ-ated with a reduced risk of cancer. Genes that are involved in cell cycle regulation seem to have additional functions in post-mitotic neurons involved in neuronal migration and synaptic plasticity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a dominant role in the regulation of gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS). Due to their involvement in a large number of CNS pathways, miRNAs pose as appealing molecules for further investigation, with potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value. In the present study, we investigated the potential association between cancer and schizophrenia in 2 patient sample groups. We analyzed a large number of miRNAs in a control group of 6 schizophrenic patients and a study group of 8 schizophrenic patients with a solid tumor. A comparison between the control and study groups showed that only miR-183 was differentially expressed. Specifically, a significant downregulation of miR-183 in the samples of the study group was observed. Although a larger sample size is required to validate this result for the general patient population, our findings provide a first indication that miR-183 may play a role in regulating the expression of other genes with onco-suppressor activity. Our results are in agreement with the theory that patients with schizophrenia may have a tumor suppressor gene or enhanced neuronal apoptotic activities. Further studies are required in order to shed light on the role of miRNAs and particularly, on the suppressive role of miR-183 in the neurobiological pathways involved in schizophrenia.

IntroductionFunctional recovery is the contemporary treatment goal in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Although consistency among physician and patient expectations may influence the therapeutic result (Demyttenaere K et al, 2011), patients’ perceptions are not always fully captured. Vortioxetine,a multimodal antidepressant, has shown encouraging data in achieving functional recovery, improving both mood and cognitive symptoms (Mahableshwarkar AR et al, 2015).ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of vortioxetine on mood symptoms, cognitive symptoms and functionality, assessed by patient-rated tools, in MDD outpatients in Greece.MethodsIn this non-interventional study, vortioxetine was administered as flexible dosing (5-20 mg/d). Mood symptoms, cognitive symptoms and functioning were assessed by the patient-rated scales PHQ-9, PDQ-D and SDS respectively, at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Repeated measures analysis of variance and t-test were used for the statistical analyses.Results336 patients participated in the study. PHQ-9 score ±SD decreased from 16.1±5.3, to 10.0±5.7 and 4.6±4.5, PDQ-D score ±SD decreased from 37.3±16.6 to 23.1±14.8 and 12.0±10.6, SDS Score ±SD decreased from 18.7±5.3 to 12.9±5.9 and to 7.8±6.5, at baseline, 1 and 3 months, respectively. The 3 SDS subscales: work/school life improved from 5.8±2.4 to 4.2±2.2 and 2.6±2.2, social life improved from 6.6±2.0 to 4.5±2.2 and 2.7±2.3 and family life improved from 6.3±2.0 to 4.3±2.1 and 2.6±2.3 -baseline, 1 and 3 months, respectively (p<0.001 for all paired comparisons).ConclusionsMDD patients in Greece treated with vortioxetine significantly improved on mood symptoms, cognitive symptoms and functioning, enriching the already published efficacy data which is mostly based on clinician-rated scales.Conflict of interestA. Galanopoulos and E. Papalexi are full-time employees in Lundbeck Hellas.