Alterations in DNA methylation rates of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SZ) is one of the most disabling mental illness and elucidation diagnostic therapeutic biomarkers are required. Recent studies investigating brain morphology, gene expression profile, genetic epidemiology have suggested involvement Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) its epigenetic regulation in pathophysiology SZ. The current study was conducted to determine association DNA methylation BDNF with diagnosis or characteristics patients We analyzed genomic from peripheral blood 22 SZ healthy subjects. rates (DMRs) CpG island at promoter exón I were measured using EpiTYPER® MassARRAY® system (Agena Biosciences). examined validity profiles as a biomarker for by clustering analyses, differences DMRs between controls, relationship patient characteristics. analysis failed distinguish controls SZ, though 4 units significantly different these two groups. Whereas DMR (CpG 28) correlated amount daily antipsychotics, there no influence age, severity, duration on gene. Despite small number subjects, our results suggest changes