Neutrophin signalling in first-episode psychosis: relationship with treatment response 1 year after the illness onset

Introduction Pro/antiinflammatory imbalance has been found in first-episode psychotic (FEP) patients, even 12 months later. Current research is every time more focused in the need to find biomarkers to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of this severe illness. Objectives To assess peripherical levels of neurotrophins and their receptors and their correlation with inflammation, clinical symptomatology and response to antipsychotic treatment, over the time. Methodology Ninety-four FEP patients and 80 matched healthy controls were included. Blood samples were taken at baseline to measure BDNF and NGF and their receptor levels (TrkB-full, TrkB-truncated and TrkA) and pro/antiinflammatory parameters (NFkB, COX-2, iNOS, PPARgamma, 15d-PG12). Patients were followed-up during 12 months. Results BDNF TrkB-full receptor and NFG TrkA receptor levels increased during the follow-up whereas BDNF TrkB-truncated form receptor decreased. After adjusting for confounding variables, baseline levels of proinflamatory variables were significantly related to TrkB-full/TrkB-truncated ratio (FL/T), suggesting that a higher proinflammatory status is related to a higher FL/T ratio expression. Furthermore, baseline FL/T ratio could have a predictor role of patientu0027s functionality 1 year after the illness onset, depending on whether patient is treated or not with antipsychotic drugs. Conclusion Inflammatory processes, neurotrophic pathways and functional status of FEP patients seem to be related which is of great traslational relevance. Specific, the expression of the 2 isoforms of BDNF receptor should be taken into account before starting an antipsychotic drug treatment.