Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity during rehabilitation therapy of schizophrenic patients - environmental pilot study.

Introduction And Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the peripheral level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) during rehabilitation therapy, combined with neurofeedback in schizophrenic patients, and to investigate whether these biomarkers are related to psychopathological symptoms, changes in auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), and quantitative EEG (QEEGs) mapping.

Material And Methods: The study involved two groups of patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in partial remission who participated in a 3-month structured rehabilitation programme combined with neurofeedback (REH group) and a standard support group (CON group). The following parameters were assessed: BDNF and MMP-9 serum levels, AEPs, QEEGs, and psychopathological symptoms (PANSS).