Past Issues

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome. S100A10 is associated with the antidepressant effect of BDNF, and decreased S100A10 mRNA has also been found in schizophrenia. S100A10 also interacts with serotonin and annexin A2, both are associated with obesity. In this study, we intended to investigate the serum BDNF and S100A10 levels in patients with schizophrenia with and without metabolic syndrome. Methods: We recruited patients with schizophrenia, collected their demographic data, and measured their metabolic profiles, serum BDNF, and S100A10 levels. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Metabolic syndrome was determined using the criteria provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Taiwan. Results: In this study, 38.7% of 93 participants had metabolic syndrome. No statistical significance was found in serum BDNF levels between patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome had significantly lower S100A10 levels compared to those without (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Decreased serum S100A10 levels were found in patients with schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome compared to schizophrenic patients without. Those data suggested that serum S100A10 level could play a rôle in metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia.