Circulating Levels of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

By:
Omran Davarinejad, Saeid Komasi, Mohammad-Taher Moradi, Farzaneh Golmohammadi, Maryam Bahrami, Hamed Esmaeil Lashgarian, Masumeh Jalalvand, Sara Hookari, Fatemeh Kazemisafa
Date:
2025
Resource type:
Blogs/news/opinion
Link:

This meta-analysis examines GDNF levels in schizophrenia (SCZ) patients compared to healthy controls. Twelve studies (n = 817 SCZ patients, n = 691 controls) were analyzed to assess the potential role of GDNF as a biomarker.

Key findings:

SCZ patients had significantly lower GDNF levels compared to healthy individuals.
The decrease was more pronounced in European populations and in non-medicated SCZ patients.
Longer disease duration (≥10 years) was associated with even lower GDNF levels.
Findings suggest GDNF could serve as a biomarker for SCZ and a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies.
The study highlights the need for further research on GDNF as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in schizophrenia.

Photo Credit: GAIN