Plasma levels of neurotrophin 4/5, NGF and pro-BDNF influence transition to mental disorders in a sample of individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis

Author(s)

Loch, Alexandre Andrade ; Pinto, Marcel Tavares Camilo ; Andrade, Julio Cesar ; Jesus, Leonardo Peroni de ; Medeiros, Matheus Wanderley de ; Haddad, Natalia Mansur ; Bilt, Martinus Theodorus van de ; Talib, Leda Leme ; Gattaz, Wagner Farid

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH; v. 327, p. 8-pg., 2023-09-01.

Abstract

Background: Neurotrophins (NTs) and their precursors (pro-NTs) are polypeptides with important roles in neuronal development, differentiation, growth, survival and plasticity, as well as apoptosis and neuronal death. Imbalance in NT levels were observed in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but evidence in ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) samples is scarce. Methods: A naturalistic sample of 87 non-help-seeking UHR subjects and 55 healthy controls was drawn from the general population. Blood samples were collected and NT-3, NT-4/5, BDNF, pro-BDNF, NGF, pro-NGF were analyzed through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Information on cannabis and tobacco use was also collected. Logistic regression models and path analysis were used to control for confounders (tobacco, age, cannabis use). Results: NT-4/5 was significantly decreased, and pro-BDNF was significantly increased in UHR individuals compared to controls. Cannabis use and higher NGF levels were significantly related to transition to psychiatric disorders among UHR subjects. Increased pro-BDNF and decreased NT-4/5 influenced transition by the mediation of perceptual abnormalities. Conclusions: Our study shows for the first time that NTs are altered in UHR compared to healthy control individuals, and that they can be a predictor of transition to psychiatric illnesses in this population. Future studies should employ larger naturalistic samples to confirm the findings. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/19823-0 - ASSESSMENT OF BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MARKERS IN THE PSYCHOSIS CONTINUUM AND IN A SAMPLE OF INDIVIDUALS IN HIGH RISK FOR PSYCHOSIS
• Grantee: Alexandre Andrade Loch
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/50873-3 - INCT 2014: National Institute of Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatry
• Grantee: Wagner Farid Gattaz
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants