title: Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF and plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels in chronic schizophrenia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We investigated the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF and plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-eight patients who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria and had a chronic schizophrenia (CS) duration of ≥ 5 years were enrolled. Their serum brain-derived BDNF and proBDNF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and their plasma MHPG levels were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The plasma MHPG levels were significantly lower in the CS group (3.9  ±  1.8 ng/ml) compared to those in the group of 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (5.1  ±  2.4 ng/ml). The serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in the CS group (8.9  ±  4.8 ng/ml) compared to the control group (12.2.1  ±  6.8 ng/ml). No correlation was observed between plasma MHPG and BDNF in the CS group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that hypo-activity of noradrenergic neurons and decreased BDNF secretion exist in chronic schizophrenic patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 8078555 Japan.
authors.forename: Reiji
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yoshimura
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 8078555 Japan.
authors.forename: Hikaru
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hori
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 8078555 Japan.
authors.forename: Asuka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katsuki
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 8078555 Japan.
authors.forename: Kiyokazu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Atake
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 8078555 Japan.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nakamura
keywords: 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Chronic schizophrenia; Positive and negative symptoms score