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Study Results from University of Toronto in the Area of Schizophrenia Published

2012 FEB 8 -- According to the authors of recent research published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, "Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ). However, it remains unclear whether alterations in BDNF observed in patients with SCZ are a core part of disease neurobiology or a consequence of treatment."

"In this manuscript we review existing knowledge relating the function of BDNF to synaptic transmission and neural plasticity and the relationship between BDNF and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for SCZ. With regards to synaptic transmission, exposure to BDNF or lack of this neurotrophin results in alteration to both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Many authors have also evaluated the effects of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for SCZ in BDNF and despite some controversial results, it seems that medicated and non-medicated patients present with lower levels of BDNF when compared to controls. Further data suggests that typical antipsychotics may decrease BDNF expression whereas mixed results have been obtained with atypical antipsychotics. The authors found few studies reporting changes in BDNF after non-pharmacological treatments for SCZ, so the existing evidence in this area is limited," wrote G. Favalli and colleagues, University of Toronto.

The researchers concluded: "Although the study of BDNF provides some new insights into understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of SCZ, additional work in this area is needed."

Favalli and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research (The role of BDNF in the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2012;46(1):1-11).

For additional information, contact G. Favalli, University of Toronto, Center Addict & Mental Hlth, Fac Med, Schizophrenia Program, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada.

The publisher's contact information for the Journal of Psychiatric Research is: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

Keywords: City:Toronto, State:Ontario, Country:Canada, Region:North and Central America, Therapy, Mental Health

This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2012, Biotech Week via NewsRx.com.