Increased S100B serum levels in schizophrenic patients with tardive dyskinesia: association with dyskinetic movements.

Several studies show that calcium-binding protein S100B is increased in schizophrenia and may be involved in the pathogenesis of tardive dyskinesia (TD). We therefore compared serum S100B levels in normal controls (n=60), schizophrenic patients with (n=32) and without TD (n=50). Assessments included the abnormal involuntary movement scale (AIMS) and the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS).

Association between monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A gene variants and schizophrenia in a Chinese population.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) A is a critical enzyme in the catabolism of dopamine. Dysfunction of dopaminergic systems has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, suggesting that MAOA gene variation might be associated with the disorder. MAOA gene variation was compared between 234 Chinese schizophrenic patients and 121 healthy controls.

[Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the change of cracks in the cracked first mandibular molar under different loading conditions].

Objective: To study the change of the cracks and the influence on overall displacement of the cracked first mandibular molar under different loadings.

Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models of first mandibular molar with cracks of different depth and length and a control model with no crack were created firstly. Then six loading conditions were applied to the models simulating the real mastication.

Blood superoxide dismutase level in schizophrenic patients with tardive dyskinesia: association with dyskinetic movements.

Free radicals may be involved in the pathogenesis of tardive dyskinesia (TD). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), a critical enzyme in the detoxification of superoxide radicals, was found to be abnormal in TD. To examine the blood SOD levels in schizophrenic patients with and without TD, and the relationships between SOD levels and tardive dyskinesia symptoms in TD patients, 45 physically healthy patients with TD who met DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia were compared with 45 schizophrenic patients without TD, as well as with 50 age-, sex- and smoking-matched normal controls.