title: [Expressional changes of neuregulin-1 gene mRNA in peripheral blood from schizophrenia patients].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the effect of anti-psychotic treatment on the expression of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) mRNA in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of schizophrenia patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The NRG1 mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured using semi-quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR in 80 first-onset schizophrenia patients, 37 sibling controls and 83 non-related controls. The patients were treated with risperdone and quetiapine for 4 weeks. Positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the severity and clinical efficacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prior to the treatment, the expression of NRG1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in patients than other two groups (F=73.004, P=0.000). From the second week on, the level of NRG1 mRNA expression in patients became significantly higher than before and gradually increased, whilst no significant difference between sib and non-sib controls. Prior to the treatment, there was significant correlation (r=-0.232, P=0.038) between the level of NRG1 mRNA and PANSS scores. Four weeks after the treatment, a significant correlation between the reduction rate of PANSS and the change of NRG1 mRNA (r=0.27, P=0.016).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The expression of NRG1 gene mRNA is associated with schizophrenia. Decreased expression of NRG1 may play a role in the development of schizophrenia, which can be improved by anti-psychotic drugs.
authors.affiliation: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hong-xing
authors.initials: HX
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Wen-qiang
authors.initials: WQ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hai-san
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jing-ping
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Lu-xian
authors.initials: LX
authors.lastname: Lv
authors.forename: Ge
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020890:Neuregulin-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D020890:Neuregulin-1; D012333:RNA, Messenger