Interactions between dopamine transporter and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-related amino acids on cognitive impairments in schizophrenia

Introduction Cognitive impairments, the main determinants of functional outcomes in schizophrenia, had limited treatment responses and need a better understanding mechanisms. Dysfunctions dopamine system N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), primary pathophysiologies may impair cognition. Objectives This study explored effects interactions striatal transporter (DAT) plasma NMDAR-related amino acids on cognitive impairments schizophrenia. Methods We recruited 36 schizophrenia patients age- sex-matched healthy controls (HC). All participants underwent assessments attention, memory, executive function. Single-photon emission computed tomography with 99mTc-TRODAT ultra-performance liquid chromatography were applied to determine DAT availability concentrations eight acids, respectively. Results Compared HC, lower performance, higher methionine concentrations, decreased glutamic acid, cysteine, aspartic arginine, ratio acid gamma-aminobutyric (Glu/GABA), left caudate nucleus (CN) putamen. Regarding memory scores, Glu/GABA CN putamen exhibited positive relationships, while showed negative associations all participants. The mediated methionine-memory relationship. An exploratory backward stepwise regression analysis for four biological markers associated indicated that remained final model. Conclusions demonstrated Future studies comprehensively evaluate their complex implications are warranted. Disclosure Interest None Declared