Study of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Drug-naive Patients with Schizophrenia

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a widely studied neurotrophin and is said to be involved in the regulation of many neuronal processes, including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, maturation, and survival. Over the years, research has shown a significant variation of serum BDNF levels in schizophrenia with no widespread agreement. Herein, we report on serum BDNF levels in drug-naive patients of schizophrenia in comparison to healthy controls (HC) and correlates of BDNF levels in patients of schizophrenia. The study sample consisted of 120 participants with 60 drug-naive patients of schizophrenia and 60 HC. The blood sample of the study subjects was collected and processed serum was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for BDNF levels. Clinical assessment of patients was done using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in drug-naive patients of schizophrenia as compared to age and sex-matched HC (P – 0.024). The PANSS total score and positive subscale score were negatively correlated with serum BDNF levels which were statistically significant with P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively. The index study found BDNF levels to be reduced in patients of schizophrenia and BDNF was found to correlate with severity of illness, especially positive symptoms. Thus, developing therapeutic strategies that can activate BDNF signaling may prove beneficial in improving the clinical outcome of schizophrenia.