Stress and inflammation reduce brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in first-episode psychosis: a pathway to smaller hippocampal volume.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been reported in the serum and plasma of patients with psychosis. The aim of this cross-sectional case-control study was to investigate potential causes and consequences of reduced BDNF expression in these patients by examining the association between BDNF levels and measures of stress, inflammation, and hippocampal volume in first-episode psychosis.

Method

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α messenger RNA levels were measured in the leukocytes of 49 first-episode psychosis patients (DSM-IV criteria) and 30 healthy controls, all aged 18 to 65 years, recruited between January 2006 and December 2008. Patients were recruited from inpatient and outpatient

SUBMITTER: Mondelli V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4082665 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature