The Dynamics of Biochemical Markers in First-Episode Psychosis Patients

Abstract

Currently scientists are looking for biochemical indicators, that allow to assess objectively neurodegenerative processes in patients with schizophrenia. Our study was conducted to compare
the clinical characteristics of firstMepisode psychosis patients with the level of neural markers (S100B protein and neuronMspecific enolase) in the process of antipsychotic therapy. 47 patients
were examined in acute period and at the stage of drug remission formation. The determination of neuromarkers was performed using electroMluminescent analysis method. Level of S100B and
NSE were reduced in comparison with healthy control. The heterogeneity of neuromarkers dynamics during the treatment was revealed. More than half of the patients reported a decreased
level of S100B and increased level of NSE. Correlations between S100B and PANSS items “guiltfeelings” (r = 0.047, p < 0.001), “depression” (r = 0.042, p < 0.05) and NSE with PANSS items
“depression” (r = 0.032, p < 0.05), “unusual thought content” (r = 0.041, p < 0.01), “preoccupation” (r = 0.037, p < 0.05) were revealed. The results of the research indicate the presence
of neurodestructive processes in schizophrenia, probably associated with inflammatory mechanisms, that are important for the therapeutic response and remission. S100B measuring can
be useful for verification of affective disorders in firstMepisode psychosis patients.