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

Abstract

Abstract Schizophrenia onset in the developmental age has strong neurodevelopmental burden and links with a poorer prognosis. The approach to diagnosis is still based on symptomatic description without objective validation. In the study we aimed to compare the peripheral blood levels of hypothesized biomarker proteins: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and S100B between early-onset schizophrenia-spectrum adolescents (n = 45) and healthy controls. Assessment of the schizophrenia-spectrum adolescents encompassed symptomatic description with the use of structuralized interviews and executive function objective measurement. Plasma levels of BDNF protein were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients (p < 0.001) than in controls both at admission and 6–8 weeks follow-up. We observed significant correlations between BDNF, proBDNF and p75NTR levels and positive and negative symptoms scale (PANSS) scores, p75NTR and S100B levels and suicidal parameters, as well as a correlation of BDNF plasma level with the risky decision-making style in Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). The results indicate a potential value of studied proteins as a biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease’s course.