Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 8, 2025

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
05:14

Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra

Published on: September 8, 2021

3.7K

Plasma Orexin-A Levels in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Shaoli Li1,2, Ruili Zhang1, Shaohua Hu1,3,4,5,6

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

Frontiers in Psychiatry
|June 13, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This meta-analysis found no significant difference in plasma orexin-A levels between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. These findings suggest orexin-A may not be a reliable biomarker for schizophrenia.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Orexins regulate crucial functions like appetite, sleep-wake cycles, and cognition, which are often impaired in schizophrenia.
  • Schizophrenia is associated with reduced prefrontal cortex-thalamus connectivity, and orexin influences neuronal activity in these regions.
  • This study investigates the potential link between orexin-A levels and schizophrenia through a meta-analysis.

Approach:

  • A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CNKI databases was conducted from 1998 to September 2021.
  • Eight case-control studies comprising 597 schizophrenia patients and 370 healthy controls were included.
  • Statistical analysis used Stata 16.0 to calculate Hedges's adjusted g with 95% confidence intervals.

Key Points:

  • Plasma orexin-A levels did not significantly differ between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.
  • Subgroup analyses based on gender, country, medication status, and measurement method showed high heterogeneity but no significant alterations.
  • No publication bias was detected through Begg's or Egger's tests.

Conclusions:

  • The meta-analysis concludes that plasma orexin-A levels are not significantly altered in patients with schizophrenia.
  • These findings challenge the utility of plasma orexin-A as a direct biomarker for schizophrenia.
  • Further research may be needed to explore orexin system function in schizophrenia through other markers or methodologies.
Keywords:
cognitive deficitsmedicationmeta-analysisorexin-Aschizophrenia

More Related Videos

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

5.5K
Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice08:45

Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice

Published on: January 25, 2016

24.1K

Related Concept Videos

Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders01:27

Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
941
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
145
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy01:26

Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy

Antipsychotic drugs are a crucial treatment method for acute and chronic psychoses, bipolar illness, and behavioral disorders. The selection of these drugs depends on several factors, including the state of the disease, clinical judgment, possible drug interactions, and the patient's sensitivity to adverse effects. In immediate scenarios, such as delirium and dementia, short-term treatment with low doses of high-potency typical or atypical agents can effectively manage symptom exacerbation.
208
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
195
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
1.6K
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
216