USE OF BIOMARKERS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS AND SCHIZOPHRENIA (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Goal: to explore advances in the search for biomarkers that can improve accuracy in the diagnosis of depressive disorders and schizophrenia. Methods: literature review using the PUBMED, SCIELO databases and the Molecular Biology journal. Selected articles published from 2016 onwards. Results: Depression was widely associated with inflammatory processes, with patients showing elevation of inflammatory markers, such as IL-6, IL-2R, (CARVALHO et al, 2020), IL-4 (OSIMO et al, 2020), and other pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-b, without subtype discrimination. Inflammatory dysfunction is related to the stage and severity of the disease. Furthermore, the relationship between growth factors and the pathophysiology of depression is observed. (CARVALHO et al, 2020). The increase in glutamate and cortisol, and the decrease in serotonin and noradrenaline have also been attributed as important in the development of depression. (DELL'OSSO et al, 2016). Schizophrenia has some biomarkers that can possibly help in the diagnosis of this disease. Results are obtained with the use of niacin, which indicate the existence of a subgroup of patients with common biochemical characteristics (SUN et al, 2017). These patients have a reaction to this substance, which appears in the form of redness. Certain markers are still shared with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, such as BNDF (Brain Derived Neutrophic Factor), IL-6 and TNFs. They are unlikely to be used as biomarkers for diagnosing schizophrenia (LAI et al, 2016) Conclusion: Ultimately, the use of biomarkers in the process of diagnosing psychiatric disorders is still under development. However, investment in studies on the subject is of extreme scientific importance as they may be responsible for improving the ability to make an earlier and more accurate diagnosis for cases of Depressive Disorders or Schizophrenia.