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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, learning capacity and cognition in patients with first episode psychosis

Authors: Sonia Ruiz de Azua, Carlos Matute, Laura Stertz, Fernando Mosquera, Aitor Palomino, Iris de la Rosa, Sara Barbeito, Patricia Vega, Flávio Kapczinski, Ana González-Pinto

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Cognitive impairments are seen in first psychotic episode (FEP) patients. The neurobiological underpinnings that might underlie these changes remain unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels are associated with cognitive impairment in FEP patients compared with healthy controls.

Methods

45 FEP patients and 45 healthy controls matched by age, gender and educational level were selected from the Basque Country area of Spain. Plasma BDNF levels were assessed in healthy controls and in patients. A battery of cognitive tests was applied to both groups, with the patients being assessed at 6 months after the acute episode and only in those with a clinical response to treatment.

Results

Plasma BDNF levels were altered in patients compared with the control group. In FEP patients, we observed a positive association between BDNF levels at six months and five cognitive domains (learning ability, immediate and delayed memory, abstract thinking and processing speed) which persisted after controlling for medications prescribed, drug use, intelligence quotient (IQ) and negative symptoms. In the healthy control group, BDNF levels were not associated with cognitive test scores.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that BDNF is associated with the cognitive impairment seen after a FEP. Further investigations of the role of this neurotrophin in the symptoms associated with psychosis onset are warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, learning capacity and cognition in patients with first episode psychosis
Authors
Sonia Ruiz de Azua
Carlos Matute
Laura Stertz
Fernando Mosquera
Aitor Palomino
Iris de la Rosa
Sara Barbeito
Patricia Vega
Flávio Kapczinski
Ana González-Pinto
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-27

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