Serum Progesterone and Testosterone Levels in Schizophrenia Patients at Different Stages of Treatment

[Nelson Vergel]

Serum Progesterone and Testosterone Levels in Schizophrenia Patients at Different Stages of Treatment
Huang, Wei ; Li, Yong-Hang ; Huang, Shi-Qing ; Chen, Hui ; Li, Zai-Fang ; Li, Xi-Xi ; Li, Xue-Song ; Cheng, Yong
Journal of molecular neuroscience, 2020-11-07, Vol.71 (6), p.1168-1173
Huang, Wei ; Li, Yong-Hang ; Huang, Shi-Qing ; Chen, Hui ; Li, Zai-Fang ; Li, Xi-Xi ; Li, Xue-Song ; Cheng, Yong
Journal of molecular neuroscience, 2020-11-07, Vol.71 (6), p.1168-1173

It has been suggested that dysregulation of hormones is associated with schizophrenia (SCZ). This study aimed to measure the serum levels of progesterone and testosterone in 125 SCZ patients at different stages of treatment and 96 healthy control (HC) subjects. Our results showed that first-episode drug-free SCZ patients had significantly increased testosterone levels when compared with HC subjects, and chronic medication, but not short-term medication, further increased the serum testosterone levels in the patients. Further analysis suggested that the sex of the patients did not affect testosterone levels. In contrast, serum progesterone levels did not show significant differences between first-episode, drug-free SCZ patients and controls, and the antipsychotics increased progesterone levels in the male SCZ patients, but not female patients. Interestingly, our analyses demonstrated that the serum progesterone levels were negatively correlated with PANSS total score and PNASS positive score, suggesting a correlation between blood hormone levels and disease severity in SCZ patients. Taken together, our data showed differential changes in serum testosterone and progesterone levels in SCZ patients with or without antipsychotics, and our results suggest that increased sex hormone levels may be a defensive response to protect the human body under stress.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Testosterone for schizophrenia
Elias, Alby ; Kumar, Ajit ; Elias, Alby
Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2007-07-18, Vol.2012 (2), p.CD006197-CD006197

Background: Recently, sex hormones such as estrogens and testosterone or its derivatives have been the focus of interest for treatment of persistent symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Objectives To review the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)/testosterone as adjunctive therapy to standard antipsychotic drugs. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (January 2007). Selection criteria We included all clinical randomised trials comparing DHEA/testosterone plus standard antipsychotic treatment with standard treatment alone. Data collection and analysis We independently selected studies and extracted data. For dichotomous data we calculated the relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) on an intention to treat basis, using a fixed effects model. We presented continuous data using the weighted mean difference statistic, with a 95% confidence interval using a fixed effects model. Main results We found three relevant small, short trials (total n=126). Clinical Global Impression data were equivocal (n=27, 1 RCT, WMD ‐0.43 CI ‐0.9 to 0.1). Average total PANSS scores were not significantly different between the DHEA plus antipsychotic group and those given antipsychotic drugs and placebo (n=82, 2 RCTs, WMD ‐4.16 CI ‐13.8 to 5.5). PANSS positive scores were equivocal (n=55, 1 RCT, WMD ‐1.00 CI ‐3.8 to 1.8). For negative symptoms binary SANS scale data favoured the DHEA plus antipsychotic group (n=30, 1 RCT, RR 0.23 CI 0.1 to 0.6, NNT 2 CI 2 to 3) but PANSS negative scores were not significantly different between comparison groups (n=55, 1 RCT, WMD ‐2.30 CI ‐6.4 to 1.8). About 17% of people left both groups early (n=64, 2 RCTs, RR 0.80 CI 0.3 to 2.4). St Hans Rating Scale data for extrapyramidal symptoms favoured the DHEA plus antipsychotic group (n=30, 1 RCT, WMD ‐5.00 CI ‐8.8 to ‐1.2) but akathisia ratings were equivocal (n=34, 1 RCT, RR 2.67 CI 0.3 to 23.1). Ratings of parkinsonian movement disorder differed within the same trial depending of the outcome scale used. Quality of life seemed unaffected by use of DHEA (n=55, 1 RCT, WMD 6.20 CI ‐1.4 to 13.8). Authors' conclusions Results are inconclusive with most outcomes being either non‐significant or producing contradictory findings. Currently, adjunctive DHEA should remain an experimental treatment for people with schizophrenia.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

The longitudinal course of schizophrenia: testosterone and progression of the negative symptoms
Sisek-Šprem, Mirna ; Gradiški, Ivan Pavao ; Žaja, Nikola ; Herceg, Miroslav
Nordic journal of psychiatry, 2020-02-17, Vol.74 (2), p.147-154

Background: The longitudinal course of schizophrenia shows a high level of heterogeneity with testosterone as a possible factor in the variety of clinical outcomes. Aim: Evaluation of the course of schizophrenia in male patients over an eight-year period and of the possible testosterone effects on changes in clinical features. Subjects and methods: The initial study population consisted of 120 male schizophrenic patients (aged 18-40) hospitalized in the University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce in 2009. Patients were classified into nonaggressive (control, n = 60) and aggressive (n = 60) groups. In 2017, we reassessed 85 patients (67,5%) from the initial sample. Symptoms of schizophrenia were determined using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and compared with the total serum testosterone level taken at the inclusion in the study. The distribution of values for individual variables was determined using the Smirnov-Kolmogorov test; for all further analyses, the appropriate non-parametric test was used. Results: The control group showed a statistically significant negative correlation between testosterone and negative PANSS. The initial PANSS scores, compared to those at the follow-up, showed a statistically significant reduction in positive and general symptoms in all groups, with the greatest reduction in the control group. Conclusion: We found a reduction in positive and general symptoms of schizophrenia among all patients and no changes in negative symptoms. Inverse correlation between testosterone and negative symptoms was found only in the control group, but there was no testosterone influence on the progression of any PANSS subscales.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Very confusing terminology!! I have no clear understanding after reading these three abstracts!

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Scientists unpack testosterone’s role in schizophrenia

Testosterone may trigger a brain chemical process linked to schizophrenia but the same sex hormone can also improve cognitive thinking skills in men with the disorder, two new studies show. Scientists…

theconversation.com

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Lippincott Home

www.anip.co.in