Neuroendocrine and Metabolite Substrates in Schizophrenia
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
2016-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Background: Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. The diagnosis and severity evaluations
of schizophrenia are generally based on patient behaviors. Biomarkers are objectively
measured and used as indicators for diagnosis confirmation, symptom assessment, and
evaluation of pharmacologic responses to therapeutic interventions. Neuroendocrine and
metabolite substrates are potential biomarkers of the pathogenic processes in schizophrenia.
Aims: The aims of this study are to determine (a) the differences in neuroendocrine and
metabolite substrates between patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy controls; and
(b) the associations among the neuroendocrine and metabolite substrates, cognitive function,
clinical symptoms, and treatment responses of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Methods: (a) The investigators plan to recruit 100 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and
100 healthy controls as participants. (b) At the baseline and Week 12, patient blood samples
will be obtained to measure the levels of neuroendocrine substrates and metabolite markers.
Clinical symptoms and cognitive function will be evaluated. (c) For the healthy control
participants, blood samples will be obtained once to measure neuroendocrine and metabolite
marker levels.
Expected Results: The results of this study may contribute to identifying potential
neuroendocrine and metabolite biomarkers of schizophrenia, and clarify the associations among
the neuroendocrine and metabolite substrates, cognitive function, clinical symptoms, and
treatment responses of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Such information is crucial for
clinical evaluations and future research.