In people with severe depression or schizophrenia, the concentration of the synapse protein “SNAP 25” in the cerebrospinal fluid is reduced. This is shown by a study by the University Medical Center Halle with more than 200 participants. Even though SNAP-25 cannot yet be used for a reliable diagnosis, the results indicate that protein biomarkers could play an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of psychiatric disorders in the future. The results were published in the journal “BMJ Mental Health”.

In their study, the researchers focused on the protein “SNAP-25” (synaptosome-associated protein 25), which is involved in the transmission of messenger substances between nerve cells. It is part of a larger protein complex that ensures that small molecular transport packages, so-called vesicles, can fuse with the synapses. This allows the nerve cells to absorb the messenger substances.

SNAP-25 significantly reduced in depression and schizophrenia, but not in bipolar disorder

The study team analyzed cerebrospinal fluid samples from 202 people between the ages of 18 and 67. All had undergone standardized clinical-psychiatric and clinical-neurological examinations. 99 participants suffered from severe depression, 50 from schizophrenia and 24 from bipolar disorder. The remaining 29 formed the healthy control group.

The analysis of SNAP-25 concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid revealed significantly lower values in severe depression compared to healthy controls. These were independent of drug treatment with antidepressants and the intensity of the depression. The SNAP-25 concentration was also significantly reduced in schizophrenia. In people with bipolar disorder, on the other hand, the values were in a similar range to that of the healthy control subjects.

Original Paper:

Evidence for reduced synaptic protein SNAP-25 in cerebrospinal fluid in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia | BMJ Mental Health

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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