Most likely, no single ADHD biomarker can be identified. However, the use of a combination of markers may help to reduce heterogeneity and to identify homogeneous subtypes of ADHD.

Objective. The phenotypic complexity, together with the multifarious nature of the so-called ''schizophrenic psychoses'', limits our ability to form a simple and logical biologically based hypothesis for the disease group. Biological markers are defined as biochemical, physiological or anatomical traits that are specific to particular conditions. An important aim of biomarker discovery is the detection of disease correlates that can be used as diagnostic tools. Method. A selective review of the WFSBP Task Force on Biological Markers in schizophrenia is provided from the central nervous system to phenotypes, functional brain systems, chromosomal loci with potential genetic markers to the peripheral systems. Results. A number of biological measures have been proposed to be correlated with schizophrenia. At present, not a single biological trait in schizophrenia is available which achieves sufficient specificity, selectivity and is based on causal pathology and predictive validity to be recommended as diagnostic marker. Conclusions. With the emergence of new technologies and rigorous phenotypic subclassification the identification of genetic bases and assessment of dynamic disease related alterations will hopefully come to a new stage in the complex field of psychiatric research.

The pharmacodynamics of serotonergic antidepressants that differentially influence serotonin reuptake transporters is poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the biochemical profiles in patients with anxious depression under the treatment with tianeptine, a serotonin reuptake enhancer, and sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) and serum amine oxidase (AO) activities, concentration of middle-mass endotoxic molecules (MMEM) and parameters that characterize the functional properties of serum albumin were investigated in 43 patients with anxious depression (ICD-10: F 32.1 and F 33.1). It was established that, in comparison with healthy controls, patients with anxious depression were characterized by the significant increase in MAO activity (by 95%), MMEM concentration (by 86%), and a significant decrease in AO activity (by 43%) and also in functional albumin activity. The results of the study show that both tianeptine and sertraline are equally effective in the treatment of anxious depression. The present biochemical investigation, however, suggests that the underlying biochemical changes are more complete following tianeptine treatment.

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Comparing our earlier data on chronic schizophrenic patients with present data, we hypothesise that FES patients are at the stage that leads to a stable, pathological state of metabolism.

IntroductionNeurochemical mechanism of TIA action is not clear.AimTo develop possible mechanism of TIA action in patients with anxious depression (Uzbekov et al., 2006, 2009).ResultsIt was found twofold increase of platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in depressed patients and its significant decrease under TIA action.DiscussionSynapse is considered as a complex biological system (nerve ending + astrocytes). It is supposed that at normal conditions about 75% of serotonin released in synaptic cleft undergoes functional inactivation by its reuptake in presynaptic ending. The remaining serotonin is taken up by astroglia and is undergone its irreversible (chemical) inactivation under MAO action.According to our hypothesis TIA enhancing serotonin reuptake decreases serotonin level in synaptic cleft. Simultaneously in patients-responders we have established the decrease (inhibition) of MAO activity that promotes increase of serotonin concentration in synaptic cleft. It has been shown that TIA activates serotonin release from presynaptic ending (Labrid et al., 1992). Thus TIA enhances not only serotonin reuptake but simultaneously activates its surge from the ending into synaptic cleft. We conclude that under TIA action serotonin turnover rate in the synapse is increased that promotes increase in the unit of time serotonin concentration on postsynaptic receptors; this process is accompanied by decrease of MAO activity.ConclusionThe first time in the literature we propose the hypothesis about neurochemical mechanism of TIA action. Proposed mechanism mainly refers to the first acute phase of TIA action directed on the normalization of serotonergic neurotransmission.

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