RESUMEN

Schizophrenia is the subject of many studies. There have been reports of taste disturbances in mental disorders. We found a possible relationship between deficit symptoms of schizophrenia and the dysgeusia of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Dysgeusia is a disorder that distorts the sense of taste. People describe all foods as tasting sweet, sour, bitter, or metallic. We aimed to verify whether the level of MSG taste perception may be related to the severity of deficit symptoms. MSG detection threshold was assessed via sublingual administration of three fluid samples containing MSG or water. The MSG samples had different concentrations in each sample. The task was to indicate which of the samples contained MSG, determine the intensity of the taste, and assess the taste as pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. The study group included 200 patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia according to ICD-10. We found a significant negative correlation between mean intensity of taste and the number of deficit symptoms. The symptoms of taste disturbances reported by the patient should be monitored by clinicians and differentiated between the actual deficits in the field of taste perception and the taste hallucinations as a symptom of psychosis. It is important to continue research in this area.

RESUMEN

Previous studies have reported on the relationship between gut microbiota and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, there remain gaps in literature concerning the role of the intestinal barrier and microflora in the pathogenesis of depression. This study analyzes the potential causative relationship between gut microbiota and inflammatory and gut integrity markers and clinical symptoms in inpatients with depressive episodes. Sixteen inpatients (50% females) being treated with escitalopram (5-20 mg daily) in standardized conditions were included in the study. The composition of fecal microbiota was evaluated at baseline and endpoint using 16S rRNA sequencing. A significant correlation between depression severity was found, as measured with HDRS24 (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 item), and the following abundance in bacteria: positive correlation with Paraprevotella (r = 0.80, q = 0.012), strong, negative correlations with Clostridiales (r = -0.70, q = 0.016), Clostridia (r = -0.71, q = 0.026), Firmicutes (r = -0.67. q = 0.032), and the RF32 order (r = -0.70, p = 0.016) in the Alphaproteobacteria (r = -0.66, q = 0.031). After six weeks of treatment, clinical outcomes were found to have a negative correlation with levels of plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP) at the beginning of the study. Still they had a positive correlation with changes in fecal calprotectin during hospitalization. In conclusion, gut microbiota was associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. However, these findings do not serve as predictors of symptomatic improvement during antidepressant treatment in inpatient treatment for MDD. In turn, intestinal integrity and inflammation markers were associated with the response to treatment of patients with MDD and symptom severity. Additional studies are needed to confirm and extend these findings.

Asunto(s)

Trastorno Depresivo Mayor/metabolismo , Trastorno Depresivo Mayor/psicología , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/fisiología , Hospitales Psiquiátricos , Pacientes Internos/psicología , Adulto , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Estudios de Cohortes , Trastorno Depresivo Mayor/diagnóstico , Femenino , Hospitales Psiquiátricos/tendencias , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Although schizophrenia patients have been reported to manifest deficits in cognitive flexibility and lower processing speed (measured with i.a., the Color Trails Test, CTT), there still remain a few matters that require further investigation. We have therefore formulated three research aims: 1) to examine the factor structure of CTT in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, 2) to compare different CTT performance measures in the two groups, 3) to investigate the relationship between these measures and selected psychopathological symptoms in the patient group. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 67 healthy controls, matched for gender, age, number of years of education, and overall cognitive functioning underwent assessment of cognitive flexibility and processing speed with the CTT. RESULTS: Factor analysis of CTT variables based on the principal component method revealed a four-factor solution in both groups. Compared with healthy controls, the patients performed poorer on CTT 1 time, CTT 2 time, 2-1 difference, prompts in CTT 2, and had higher regression factor scores for Factor 1 (reflecting the slower speed of perceptual tracking). Furthermore, significant links were found between some CTT measures, and negative and disorganization symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Schizophrenia patients exhibit problems with speed of perceptual tracking and executive processes dependent on processing speed. Our results may be useful for the development of neuropsychological diagnostic methods for schizophrenia patients. It seems that, compared to other CTT indices, CTT 1 time, CTT 2 time, and 2-1 difference are more appropriate measures of cognitive performance in schizophrenia patients.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The clinical course of schizophrenia varies among patients and is difficult to predict. Some patient populations present persistent negative symptoms, referred to as the deficit syndrome. Compared to relatives of non-deficit schizophrenia patients, family members of this patient population are at an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to search for genetic underpinnings of the deficit syndrome in schizophrenia. METHODS: Three SNPs, i.e., rs1799732 and rs6276 located within DRD2, and rs1800497 within ANKK1, were identified in the DNA samples of 198 schizophrenia probands, including 103 patients with deficit (DS) and 95 patients with non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS). Results: No significant differences concerning any of the analyzed polymorphisms were found between DS and NDS patients. However, significant links were observed between family history of schizophrenia and the deficit syndrome, G/G genotype and rs6276 G allele. In a separate analysis, we identified significant differences in frequencies of rs6276 G allele between DS and NDS patients with family history of schizophrenia. No significant associations were found between DRD2 and ANKK1 SNPs and the age of onset or schizophrenia symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our preliminary study fail to provide evidence of associations between DRD2 and ANKK1 polymorphisms with the deficit syndrome or schizophrenia symptom severity, but suggest potential links between rs6276 in DRD2 and the deficit syndrome in patients with hereditary susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this observation.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that disruption in the cingulum bundle (CB) may influence executive dysfunctions in schizophrenia, but findings are still inconsistent. Using diffusion tensor imaging tractography, we investigated the differences in fiber integrity between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls together with the association between fiber integrity and executive functions. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with chronic schizophrenia and 24 healthy controls took part in the study. Both groups were matched for age, sex, and years of education. Assessment of cognitive functions was performed using the Berg Card Sorting Test (BCST), the Color Trail Test (CTT), and the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). RESULTS: Results showed group differences, bilaterally (left and right) in fractional anisotropy (FA) of the CB, where patients showed less anisotropy than controls. Moreover, normal asymmetry (left FA > right FA) in the CB in schizophrenia was found. There were no group differences in mean diffusivity (MD). Patients had a similar but reduced profile of executive functions compared to healthy controls. However, when premorbid IQ was controlled for, the differences were no longer statistically significant. In schizophrenia patients, a negative correlation was found between FA of the left CB and perseverative errors in the BCST. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that CB disruption appears in schizophrenia patients and might account for impairments of executive processes, including concept formation.

Asunto(s)

Función Ejecutiva , Giro del Cíngulo/diagnóstico por imagen , Esquizofrenia/diagnóstico por imagen , Psicología del Esquizofrénico , Adulto , Enfermedad Crónica , Imagen de Difusión Tensora , Femenino , Humanos , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pruebas Neuropsicológicas , Desempeño Psicomotor , Test de Stroop , Escalas de Wechsler

Asunto(s)

Inteligencia Emocional , Emociones/fisiología , Personalidad/fisiología , Autoimagen , Conducta Social , Interacción Social , Adolescente , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores Sexuales , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

Accumulating evidence indicates the potential effect of microbiota on the pathogenesis and course of schizophrenia. However, the effects of olanzapine, second-generation antipsychotics, on gut microbiota have not been investigated in humans. This study aimed to analyze fecal microbiota in schizophrenia patients treated with olanzapine during six weeks of their hospital stay. After a seven-day washout from all psychotropic medications, microbiota compositions were evaluated at baseline and after six weeks of hospitalization using 16S rRNA sequencing. The study was conducted in 20 inpatients, who followed the same hospital routine and received 5-20 mg daily doses of olanzapine. Olanzapine treatment was associated with clinical improvements in all patients and significant increases in body mass index in females, but not changes in gut microbiota compositions and predicted function. The severity of symptoms at the beginning of treatment varied in accordance with the predicted metabolic activity of the bacteria. The present findings indicate that the microbiota of schizophrenia patients is highly individual and has different taxonomical (Type 1, with a predominance of Prevotella, and Type 2 with a higher abundance of Bacteroides, Blautia and Clostridium) and functional clusters, and it does not change following six weeks of olanzapine therapy; in addition, the microbiota is not associated with either the weight gain observed in women or the effectiveness of olanzapine therapy.

Asunto(s)

Síndrome Metabólico/fisiopatología , Esquizofrenia/fisiopatología , Factores Sexuales , Glándula Tiroides/fisiopatología , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Síndrome Metabólico/psicología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Esquizofrenia/complicaciones

RESUMEN

RATIONALE: There is a worldwide prevalence of generalized anxiety and major depressive disorders (MDD). Gut⁻brain axis dysfunction, antibacterial activity, and modulatory effects of antidepressants toward intestinal bacteria have been shown both in vitro and in vivo. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hospital stay, including escitalopram administration, on gut microbiota in patients with depressive episodes. METHODS: After admission to the hospital and 7-days washout from all medications the composition of fecal microbiota samples was evaluated at baseline (W0) and after 6 weeks (W6), using 16S rRNA sequencing. The study was conducted on 17 inpatients (52.9% females), who followed the same daily hospital routine, including a standard diet and received 5⁻20 mg daily doses of escitalopram. RESULTS: At the end of treatment (W6), no change was observed in the Chao1 index. However, Shannon (median (Q1⁻Q3): W0 2.78 (2.67⁻3.02) vs. W6 3.11 (2.80⁻3.30)), and inverse Simpson (median (Q1⁻Q3): W0 9.26 (7.26⁻13.76) vs. W6 12.13 (9.17⁻15.73)) indices increased significantly compared to baseline values (False Discovery Rate p (q) = 0.031 and q = 0.011, respectively). We also found that between-subject W0 Bray⁻Curtis dissimilarities were significantly higher than W0⁻W6 within-subject dissimilarities (median (Q1⁻Q3): 0.68 (0.56⁻0.77) vs. 0.38 (0.35⁻0.52), two sided Mann⁻Whitney test p < 0.00001. The within-subject dissimilarities did not depend on sex, age, BMI, illness duration and a daily dose of escitalopram. No significant differences between taxa levels, at the studied time points, were observed when adjusted for multiple hypotheses testing procedures. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a six-week treatment in a psychiatric hospital setting resulted in increased alpha biodiversity in fecal microbiota, however its causal relationship with patients' mental health was not proved. We have also found that individual microbiome stability was not affected by hospitalization.

RESUMEN

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) have been widely associated with schizophrenia etiology. Aberrant epigenetic processes may play a role in the etiology of schizophrenia. In this study, we tested whether schizophrenia patients at different stages of illness might present alterations in the levels of HERV-K methylation. We recruited 49 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients with 47 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs), and 100 multi-episode schizophrenia (MES) patients with 50 age- and sex-matched HCs. Based on the Schedule for Deficit Schizophrenia, patients with MES were also divided into two subgroups: deficit (D-SCZ) and non-deficit schizophrenia (ND-SCZ). DNA methylation levels of HERV-K sequences were examined in peripheral blood leukocytes. We found significantly lower levels of HERV-K methylation in FES patients compared to HCs. Patients with MES and matched HCs had similar levels of HERV-K methylation. There was a significant positive correlation between chlorpromazine equivalent dosage and HERV-K methylation levels in MES patients, but not in FES individuals. No significant differences in HERV-K methylation levels between D-SCZ and ND-SCZ as well as HCs were found. Our results indicate lower HERV-K methylation levels at early stages of schizophrenia. This difference might normalize with subsequent exacerbations of schizophrenia, likely due to the effects of antipsychotics.

Asunto(s)

Metilación de ADN , Retrovirus Endógenos/metabolismo , Esquizofrenia/sangre , Esquizofrenia/fisiopatología , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated the association between the OPRM1 A118G polymorphism (rs1799971) and alcohol dependence, but the results have been inconsistent. The endogenous opioid system has been implicated in the development of alcohol dependence for its prominent role in the central rewarding mechanism. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the A118G polymorphism of the OPRM1 gene in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The OPRM1 (rs1799971) polymorphism was investigated in an association study of a group of ADS patients (n = 177) and in subgroups (delirium tremens and/or seizures, age at onset <26 years, dissocial alcoholics, positive familial history of alcoholism, delirium tremens, and seizures). The control group consisted of healthy volunteers, with matched gender and age, and with psychiatric disorders excluded (n = 162). RESULTS: Our research shows that there are differences in the genotypes and alleles of the OPRM1 polymorphism in the case-control study. Furthermore, we observed associations in our homogeneous subgroups - in the group of patients with ADS and accompanying delirium tremens and/or seizures at the genotype level, as well as in the subgroup of patients under 26 years of age with an early onset of dependence. CONCLUSIONS: It is strongly possible that the G allele described in numerous studies can be associated with a response to treatment, but not typology, or the very predisposition toward alcoholism. It is necessary to carry out further research which would embrace a larger group of patients; it should be divided into other homogeneous subgroups, including, e.g., naltrexone pharmacotherapy.

Asunto(s)

Alcoholismo/etiología , Polimorfismo Genético , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple/genética , Receptores Opioides mu/genética , Adulto , Alcoholismo/genética , Alelos , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Genotipo , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad

RESUMEN

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) being produced during fermentation of non-digestible polysaccharides are regulatory compounds with the potential to influence inflammatory, as well as emotional state and cognition through the gut⁻brain axis. We analyzed the association between stool concentration of SCFAs (acetic acid (C 2:0), propionic acid (C 3:0), isobutyric acid (C 4:0 i), butyric acid (C 4:0 n), isovaleric acid (C 5:0 i) valeric acid (C 5:0 n), isocaproic acid (C 6:0 i), caproic acid, and (C 6:0 n) heptanoic acid (C 7:0)) and depressive symptoms among women and looked for the potential confounders of microbiota byproduct synthesis. We enrolled 116 women aged 52.0 ± 4.7 years and recognized depression in 47 (40.52%). To analyze the emotional state, Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) was used. We assessed SCFAs content by means of gas chromatography. Fiber intake was estimated using parts of food frequency questionnaire. The content of acetic acid was significantly lowered compared to non-depressed women (median {IQR}: 29.49 {20.81} vs. 34.99 {19.55}, p = 0.04). A tendency toward decreased level of propionic acid was noticed (median {IQR}: 16.88 {9.73} vs. 21.64 {12.17}, p = 0.07), while the concentration of isocaproic acid was significantly increased in (median {IQR}: 0.89 {1.15} vs. 0.56 {0.95}, p < 0.01) comparison to matched healthy subjects. We found negative correlations between acetate, propionate, and Beck's score (r = -0.2, p = 0.03; r = -0.21, p = 0.02, respectively). Statistically significant correlations between acetate and propionate and BDI somatic score (r = -0.21, p = 0.01; r = -0.17, p = 0.03), as well as correlations regarding isocaproic and both cognitive/affective (r = 0.37, p = 0.0001) and somatic (r = 9.37, p < 0.001) scores were found. Women who declared current usage of lipid-lowering and thyroid drugs in the past, had higher content of C6:0-i (Users; median {IQR}: 1.91 {3.62} vs. non-users; 0.55 {0.67}; p = 0.0048).and lower of C2:0 (Users; median {IQR}: 23.07 {12.80} vs. non users 33.73 {21.44}; p = 0.041), respectively. No correlations regarding SCFAs concentration and fiber intake were found. We concluded that SCFAs may potentially contribute to depression phenotype, however, due to the small size of groups suffering from moderately heavy (n = 5) and severe (n = 7) depression, the conclusion should be treated with caution. Pharmacotherapy of hyperlipidemia and thyroid disease might affect SCFAs synthesis. Studies with more participants are required.

Asunto(s)

Depresión/epidemiología , Depresión/metabolismo , Ácidos Grasos Volátiles/análisis , Heces/química , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Ácidos Grasos Volátiles/metabolismo , Femenino , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Polonia

RESUMEN

Polymorphisms in immune-inflammatory response genes are believed to impact schizophrenia susceptibility. However, it remains unknown whether immunogenetic factors play a role in the etiology of deficit schizophrenia (D-SCZ). Therefore, we genotyped four polymorphisms in genes encoding two immune system regulatory proteins (CTLA-4 rs231775 and CD28 rs3116496), interleukin-6 (IL6 rs1800795) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGFB1 rs1800470) in 513 schizophrenia patients and 374 controls. The CD28 rs3116496-CC genotype and C-allele were significantly more frequent in the whole group of patients and D-SCZ patients compared to controls. Our results indicate that the CD28 rs3116496 polymorphism might impact the risk of schizophrenia, especially D-SCZ.

Asunto(s)

Citocinas/genética , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple/genética , Esquizofrenia/genética , Adulto , Antígenos CD28/genética , Antígeno CTLA-4/genética , Femenino , Frecuencia de los Genes , Genotipo , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/genética

RESUMEN

Objectives: Although it has been shown that there are more profound deficits present in deficit schizophrenia (DS) patients than in non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS) patients, there still remain some matters requiring further investigation. In this context, we formulated three research aims: (1) to compare executive functions between the investigated groups, (2) to determine the relationship between particular aspects of executive functions within the groups, and (3) to draw up a neuropsychological profile for executive functions. Methods: The study involved 148 schizophrenia patients divided into two groups on the basis of the Schedule for the Deficit Syndrome: DS (n = 70) and NDS (n = 78). Patients were matched for sex, age, years of education, and overall cognitive functioning. For assessing executive functions we used the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Phonemic Verbal Fluency Test (VFT P), the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), and the Go/No Go task (GNG). Results: Deficit schizophrenia patients scored lower on the WCST and TMT (relative flexibility) than did the NDS patients. There were no inter-group differences in the VFT P, SCWT (relative inhibition), or GNG. There were significant correlations between WCST and TMT scores in both groups. The general neuropsychological profiles were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Deficit schizophrenia patients exhibited slightly greater interference with concept formation and non-verbal cognitive flexibility. Therefore, such problems may be specific to this particular type of schizophrenia. These results may be useful for the development of neuropsychological diagnostic methods for patients with schizophrenia.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that deficit schizophrenia (DS) is associated with neuroanatomical changes in structures including those involved in olfaction. Olfactory dysfunction, which includes impaired odor identification, is found in patients with schizophrenia and their family members. METHODS: 82 patients with DS and 72 patients with NDS (nondeficit schizophrenia), somatically healthy and without acute psychotic symptoms undertook a smell identification test using the 16-item Sniffin' Sticks ID test. Demographic and psychometric data were collected. RESULTS: No differences in the course of the illness, perinatal history and demographic data were found between the DS and NDS groups. No differences in the number of correctly identified odor samples were found. Some differences in the qualitative identification of samples between DS and NDS were found in the groups of female (fewer correct identifications of cinnamon and pineapple smells in DS) and male patients (fewer correct identifications of the smell of rose and more correct identifications of the smell of orange than in NDS). CONCLUSIONS: No overall differences between DS and NDS regarding odors identification have been found. The results seem to indicate some specific deficits in the identification of markers of rose, pineapple, orange and cinnamon.

Asunto(s)

Trastornos del Olfato/etiología , Trastornos del Olfato/fisiopatología , Esquizofrenia/complicaciones , Esquizofrenia/fisiopatología , Olfato/fisiología , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Odorantes , Corteza Olfatoria/fisiología , Psicometría/métodos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The deficit subtype of schizophrenia is hypothesized to constitute a pathophysiologically distinct subgroup of schizophrenia patients suffering from enduring, idiopathic negative symptoms and various neuropsychological deficits. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellularly acting endopeptidases the substrates of which are matrix and adhesion molecules. Recently, MMP9 has been shown to be involved in various forms of synaptic plasticity, learning and memory consolidation. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate associations between the functional MMP-9 -1562C/T gene polymorphism and the deficit and non-deficit subtypes of schizophrenia. METHODS: The study was conducted between 2009 and 2012. Deficit schizophrenia was diagnosed using the SDS. The sample consisted of 468 patients, Caucasians, of Polish descent with ICD 10 diagnosis of schizophrenia: 189 [51% males] were included in a non-deficit subgroup, 279 patients [53% males] were included in a deficit subgroup. The control group consisted of 532 subjects, Caucasians, of Polish descent [51% males]. MMP-9 -1562C/T gene polymorphism was genotyped using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) method and the Light Cycler System 2.0. RESULTS: The frequencies of genotypes and alleles did not differ between the schizophrenia patients and control group. The deficit and non-deficit patients did not differ in terms of the genotype and allele frequencies. No differences were found in genotype and allele frequencies between the deficit patients and the controls and between the non-deficit patients and the controls. CONCLUSION: We found no evidence for the association between the functional MMP-9 -1562C/T gene polymorphism and deficit/non-deficit subtypes of schizophrenia.

Asunto(s)

Frecuencia de los Genes/genética , Estudios de Asociación Genética/métodos , Metaloproteinasa 9 de la Matriz/genética , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple/genética , Esquizofrenia/diagnóstico , Esquizofrenia/genética , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Esquizofrenia/clasificación

RESUMEN

This review paper provides analyses confirming correlation between various brain regions activity, particularly its prefrontal portions, and schizophrenia patients' performance in verbal fluency tests. Various factors modifying patients' performance in the aforementioned tasks were singled out and discussed. Systematically we have reviewed the results of non-verbal fluency tests conducted in the schizophrenic patients. The authors also summarizes findings of earlier studies stressing the role of semantic fluency as a predictor of first-episode psychosis. Verbal and non-verbal fluency tests engage complex cognitive processes and executive functions in patients. As a result, the interpretation of their results is often complicated and requires special competences. The tests are popular neuropsychological tools used for assessment of verbal memory, executive functions, visual-spatial abilities and psychomotor speed in patients with mental and neurological disorders. The aim of this paper is to discuss diagnostic tools used for measuring both types of fluency (verbal and non-verbal), test interpretation methods, as well as their usefulness in clinical diagnostics and scientific research.

Asunto(s)

Lenguaje del Esquizofrénico , Conducta Verbal , Encéfalo/fisiopatología , Neuroimagen Funcional , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Esquizofrenia/fisiopatología , Conducta Verbal/fisiología

RESUMEN

In this study, we tested the novel hypothesis that stem cells and those factors that modulate their trafficking may be biological markers for acute psychosis. Twenty-eight subjects during their first nonaffective psychotic episode were investigated before and after antipsychotic treatment and were compared with 35 healthy controls (CG); the psychotic group (PG) was divided into "schizophrenic" (SG) and "non-schizophrenic" (NG) subgroups. We examined the number of circulating Lin(-)/CD45(-)/CD34(+) and Lin(-)/CD45(-)/CD133(+) very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), which express markers of the neural lineage, and also the plasma levels of factors that modulate their trafficking: the C3a, C5a, and C5b-9 activated complement cascade components, stromal-derived factor 1, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). We found that the mean numbers of Lin(-)/CD45(-)/CD34(+) VSELs and the plasma levels of S1P prior to treatment differ between the CG and PG and that these cells express markers of neural lineage. The number of Lin(-)/CD45(-)/CD133(+) VSELs in peripheral blood differed between the SG and NG prior to treatment. Using logistic regression analysis, we found that C3a and S1P are the best predictors of risk and are potential markers for the first psychotic episode. Furthermore, in the SG, the number of circulating Lin(-)/CD45(-)/CD34(+) VSELs and the S1P plasma level are the best predictors of risk and are proposed as novel markers for the first "schizophrenic" episode of psychosis.

Asunto(s)

Antipsicóticos/farmacología , Trastornos Psicóticos/patología , Células Madre/efectos de los fármacos , Adulto , Antígenos CD/metabolismo , Antipsicóticos/uso terapéutico , Factores de Transcripción con Motivo Hélice-Asa-Hélice Básico/genética , Factores de Transcripción con Motivo Hélice-Asa-Hélice Básico/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/sangre , Proteínas del Sistema Complemento/genética , Proteínas del Sistema Complemento/metabolismo , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Proteínas de Neoplasias/genética , Proteínas de Neoplasias/metabolismo , Proteínas del Tejido Nervioso/genética , Proteínas del Tejido Nervioso/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción 2 de los Oligodendrocitos , Monoéster Fosfórico Hidrolasas/genética , Monoéster Fosfórico Hidrolasas/metabolismo , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica , Trastornos Psicóticos/sangre , Trastornos Psicóticos/tratamiento farmacológico , Molécula de Interacción Estromal 1 , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Deficit schizophrenia (DS) is distinguished from the group of schizophrenic psychoses based on the presence of primary negative symptoms. It differs from nondeficit (NDS) forms of schizophrenia in dimensions such as risk factors, family history, course of illness and neurobiological differences. The aim of the study was assessment of a potential association of the investigated polymorphisms of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genes with the deficit syndrome in schizophrenia. METHODS: A cohort of 200 patients with schizophrenia (81 DS and 119 NDS subjects) and a group of 100 control subjects matched for ethnicity, sex and age were recruited. Somatic and psychometric assessment were conducted as well as structured interview about the influence of adverse biological, family and social factors. Genetic analysis of the BDNF (Val66Met) rs6265 and the COMT (Val158Met) rs4680 polymorphisms was performed. RESULTS: We found significant differences between DS and NDS in rs4680 COMT genotype distribution: more homozygous Val/Val were found (31 vs. 17%) in the NDS compared to the DS subgroup. No associations were found between the investigated polymorphisms of the BDNF gene and the presence of schizophrenia either in DS and NDS subgroups. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the COMT rs4680 polymorphism in the present DS and NDS study shows that some genetic factors may be relevant in analyzing the reasons for the differentiation of schizophrenic subtypes.

Asunto(s)

Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/genética , Catecol O-Metiltransferasa/genética , Polimorfismo Genético , Esquizofrenia/genética , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Frecuencia de los Genes , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Heterocigoto , Homocigoto , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fenotipo , Polonia , Factores de Riesgo , Esquizofrenia/clasificación , Esquizofrenia/diagnóstico , Esquizofrenia/enzimología , Psicología del Esquizofrénico

RESUMEN

AIM: The aim of the present study was twofold: 1. to compare the efficacy of three antipsychotics (ziprasidone, olanzapine and perazine) in schizophrenia 2. to compare the improvement in cognitive functioning between groups treated with the three different neuroleptics. METHOD: A total of 58 Caucasian patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia were recruited into the study group. We used the Polish version of the CIDI (Composite International Diagnostic Interview) to obtain ICD-10 diagnoses. The intensity of psychopathological symptoms was examined using the PANSS. The patients were randomly assigned to treatment with perazine, olanzapine or ziprasidone administered as monotherapy for 3 months. The treatment efficacy was measured as a change in the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) total score from baseline (T0) to 3 months (T1). The WCST (The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) was used to measure working memory and executive functions in the evaluated patients. Wilcoxon's and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to compare changes in the PANSS scores between the treatment groups. To analyze the cognitive functions, Kruskal-Wallis test for the WCST parameters was used. RESULTS: The three antipsychotics similarly reduced the total PANSS score. The WCST parameters in the 3 groups of examined patients using the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed some differences between the three administered antipsychotics. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the short-term efficacy of the atypical (olanzapine, ziprasidone) and typical (perazine) antipsychotic drugs did not differ. Based on the analysis, a conclusion can be drawn that the three neuroleptics provided similar improvements in cognitive functioning.

Asunto(s)

Antipsicóticos/uso terapéutico , Benzodiazepinas/uso terapéutico , Trastornos del Conocimiento/prevención & control , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Perazina/uso terapéutico , Piperazinas/uso terapéutico , Esquizofrenia/tratamiento farmacológico , Tiazoles/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Trastornos del Conocimiento/etiología , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Olanzapina , Esquizofrenia/complicaciones , Psicología del Esquizofrénico , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Método Simple Ciego , Resultado del Tratamiento