Relationship Between Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Schizophrenia is characterized by abnormal synaptic plasticity and cognitive impairment.
• Neural cell adhesion molecule-1 (NCAM-1) is a marker of synaptic plasticity, but its role in schizophrenia cognition is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum NCAM-1 levels in schizophrenia patients.
• To examine the association between NCAM-1 levels and cognitive domains in schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• Serum NCAM-1 levels were measured in 176 schizophrenia patients and 176 controls.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III).
• Disease severity was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS).

Main Results:

• Serum NCAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in schizophrenia patients compared to controls (p=0.006).
• NCAM-1 showed positive associations with attention (r=0.196, p=0.009), language (r=0.192, p=0.011), and visuospatial abilities (r=0.207, p=0.006).
• A positive correlation was observed between NCAM-1 levels and total ACE-III scores (r=0.189, p=0.012).

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum NCAM-1 levels are associated with better cognitive functioning in schizophrenia.
• NCAM-1 may serve as a potential biomarker for cognitive performance in schizophrenia.