Plasma biomarkers in adolescents with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder

Schizophrenia onset in the developmental age has a strong neurodevelopmental burden and is associated with a poorer prognosis. The approach to diagnosis is still based on symptomatic description without objective validation. In this study, we aimed to compare the peripheral blood levels of hypothesized biomarker proteins: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75^NTR ) and S100B between early-onset schizophrenia-spectrum adolescents (n = 45) and healthy controls (n = 34).

Clinical assessment of the participants encompassed symptomatic description with the use of structured interviews and executive function objective measurement. Plasma levels of BDNF protein were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients than in controls both at admission (p = .003) and 6-8 weeks follow-up (p = .007).

We observed significant correlations between BDNF, proBDNF and p75^NTR levels and positive and negative symptoms scale (PANSS) scores, p75^NTR 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.