Decreased plasma neuropeptides in first-episode schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder: associations with clinical symptoms and cognitive function

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to identify differentiating and disease-monitoring biomarkers of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders (BD), and major depressive disorders (MDD) to improve treatment and management. METHODS: We recruited 54 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients, 52 BD patients, 35 MDD patients, and 54 healthy controls from inpatient and outpatient clinics. α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH), β-endorphin, neurotensin, orexin-A, oxytocin, and substance P were investigated using quantitative multiplex assay method. Psychotic symptoms were measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), manic symptoms using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and depressive symptoms using 17 item-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). We additionally measured cognitive function by using a battery of tests given to all participants. RESULTS: α-MSH, neurotensin, orexin-A, oxytocin, and substance P were decreased in the three patient groups compared with controls. Neurotensin outperformed all biomarkers in differentiating patient groups from controls. There were no significant differences for 6 neuropeptides in their ability to differentiate between the three patient groups. Higher neurotensin was associated with better executive function across the entire sample. Lower oxytocin and higher substance p were associated with more psychotic symptoms in FES and BD groups. β-endorphin was associated with early morning wakening symptom in all three patient groups. CONCLUSION: Our research shows decreased circulating neuropeptides have the potential to differentiate severe mental illnesses from controls. These neuropeptides are promising treatment targets for improving clinical symptoms and cognitive function in FES, BD, and MDD.