Cognitive impairments and low BDNF serum levels in first-episode drug-naive patients with schizophrenia

Abstract Evidence shows that BDNF may regulate activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. Previous studies reported low BDNF levels and cognitive impairment in the early stage of schizophrenia. Our current study aimed to explore the association between serum BDNF and cognitive functions in first-episode drug-naive (FEDN) patients with schizophrenia, which has been under-investigated. We recruited 80 FEDN patients and 80 healthy controls and examined the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and serum BDNF in both groups. Patient psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients compared to controls ( p p p  > 0.05) were significantly lower in patients than controls. No significant correlation was found between BDNF and any index or total scores of RBANS in either patients or healthy controls (all p  > 0.05). However, the PANSS negative subscale score were negatively associated with both the immediate memory and language indexes (both p