We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Molecular Biomarkers Tested for Schizophrenia

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 Mar 2014
Print article
Image: Laboratory scientists performing the VeriPsych Blood Test used to diagnose schizophrenia (Photo courtesy of MyriadRBM).
Image: Laboratory scientists performing the VeriPsych Blood Test used to diagnose schizophrenia (Photo courtesy of MyriadRBM).
Biochemical clues in the blood that signal severe psychiatric disorders are being investigated, but a large amount of time and effort are required to find definitive validated biomarkers.

Measuring changes in the cells or molecules of human tissues or fluids, by detecting so-called biomarkers, has aided the diagnosis of various diseases for some time, but when it comes to severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, patients are just diagnosed by asking questions.

Scientists at the University of Cambridge (UK) have validated a blood serum test for diagnosing schizophrenia using samples from 572 schizophrenia patients and 235 healthy persons as control group. The final test consists of a so-called biomarker assay panel and includes 51 different proteins. The statistical analysis of the combination of these proteins yields results that give a probability that a patient is suffering from the disorder, and the test was able to correctly diagnose 83% of the schizophrenic patients and depression with a certainty of about 90%.

A test called VeriPsych (MyriadRBM; Austin, TX, USA) has been commercially available in the USA for about 18 months and has been ordered by 32 clinical centers, but the product needed further refinement to better fit the needs of patients and healthcare providers. A new European project has made excellent progress in achieving the goal of developing clinically useful biomarker tests for schizophrenia. Some of these blood-based markers based on previous studies could include interferon gamma, chromogranin A, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1).

Following successful completion of the European project, Psynova Neurotech Ltd, RBM Inc. (Cambridge, UK) and EDI GmbH (Reutlingen, Germany) will seek to provide the early schizophrenia diagnostic assay panel as a commercially available clinical tool for psychiatrists and GPs by establishing the assays in a centralized screening laboratory. In addition, Psynova intends to offer the biomarker assay-panel products developed in this work as tools to aid the discovery and development of novel medicines for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Sabine Bahn, MD, PhD, MRCPsych, the head of the Cambridge Center for Neuropsychiatric Research (UK) said, “A blood-based biomarker test, additional to conventional clinical diagnosis, could enable earlier diagnosis and better treatment .We have so far identified blood biomarker signatures for distinguishing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression and also for predicting drug response. The results from several patient cohorts are encouraging. There will now be larger prospective clinical trials.”

Related Links:
MyriadRBM
Psynova Neurotech Ltd, RBM 
EDI GmbH



Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test

Print article

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.