Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels and psychopathology scores in drug‐naïve first‐episode psychosis

Abstract

Introduction: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the regulation of many neuronal processes, including neurogenesis. Therefore, it is thought to be closely associated with many psychopathologies with a neurodevelopmental basis, for example, schizophrenia. Methods: The patients admitted to the Psychiatry Department of the Faculty of Medicine with a diagnosis of non-affective drug-naïve first-episode psychosis (FEP) were included in the study. The relationship between laboratory and clinical findings and psychometric data (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) was examined. Results: The study population consisted of 34 FEP and 34 healthy control (HC) volunteers. Mean BNDF levels of FEP and HC groups were 14.95 ± 6.13 and 17.89 ± 4.84 pg/ml, respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (t = 2.197; p = .032). There was a negative correlation between mean BDNF levels and PANSS general psychopathology subscale scores (r = .358; p = .038), and total PANSS scores (r = .356; p = .039). Discussion: There is a consensus on low serum BDNF levels both in FEP and in schizophrenia. However, it is still not clear which clinical findings are associated with lower serum BDNF levels. The relationship between BDNF levels and psychopathologies in schizophrenia has to be investigated.

The mediating effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels on childhood trauma and psychiatric symptoms in patients with first-episode schizophrenia

“…Our study showed that the BDNF levels were reduced in patients compared to HC, as with the majority of previous studies (Çakici et al, 2020). Our study also found that BDNF levels were negatively correlated with PANSS negative symptoms and total scores, which is consistent with some previous studies (Aydın et al, 2020; Rizos et al, 2008). However, other studies have shown that BDNF levels are only negatively associated with PANSS positive symptoms (Gonzalez-Pinto et al, 2010).…”

Plasma Biomarkers in Early-Onset Schizophrenia. Case-Control Study in Adolescent Population

“…Plethora of studies conducted so far proved the BDNF role in ARMS (45,46), rst-episode psychosis (FEP) (47) as well as chronic schizophrenia with inconsistent results (26). BDNF showed both increased (48, 49) and decreased concentration among schizophrenic patients in blood (50) and also in CSF (27). Decreased BDNF peripheral level was con rmed by meta-analyses (47,(51)(52)(53).…”

Plasma biomarkers in adolescents with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder

“…Plethora of studies conducted so far proved the BDNF role in at risk mental state subjects (He et al, 2019; Heitz et al, 2019), first‐episode psychosis (Singh et al, 2020) as well as chronic schizophrenia with inconsistent results (Nieto et al, 2021). BDNF showed both increased (Skibinska et al, 2019; Weickert et al, 2019) and decreased concentration among schizophrenic patients in blood (Aydın et al, 2020) and also in CSF (Pillai et al, 2010). Decreased BDNF peripheral level was confirmed by meta‐analyses (Cui et al, 2012; Fernandes et al, 2015; Green et al, 2011; Singh et al, 2020).…”