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Cognitive impairment is a prominent cause of disability in schizophrenia. Although antipsychotic drugs can rescue the psychotic symptoms, the cognitive impairments persist, with no treatment available. Alterations of BDNF, VEGF, TNF‐α, and S100B have been linked to cognitive impairment in several neurological disorders. However, it remains unclear whether their levels are correlated with the cognitive functions of schizophrenia patients. Forty‐one chronic, medicated schizophrenia patients were included in this study. Enzyme‐linked, immunosorbent assays were used to measure the serum concentrations of BDNF, VEGF, TNF‐α, and S100B. Associations between serum protein levels and various domains of the cognitive functions of the schizophrenia patients were observed. We found significant, positive correlations between serum BDNF and the processing speed and attention levels of the patients. Serum VEGF was also positively correlated with their memory and learning functions. In contrast, serum S100B and TNF‐α were negatively correlated with the processing speed and attention of the schizophrenia patients. The findings warrant further investigation of these molecules as potential prognostic markers or treatment targets for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum-BDNF levels are known to reflect functions of the nervous system. It has been shown in humans that exercise increases serum-BDNF levels. However, how exercise training affects serum-BDNF in horses is unknown. Knowing how BDNF is altered in response to exercise training in horses will provide insight into the nervous system’s response to exercise and may provide a novel indicator to improve the training program for sport horses. Here we investigated the effect of exercise on the level of serum-BDNF in horses by comparing BDNF levels in serum from sedentary horses to those from active horses that are trained and participated in polo matches. The level of total serum-BDNF was significantly higher in active horses compared with that of sedentary horses. Individual forms of BDNF (pro, truncated and mature BDNF) were also significantly higher in active horses, especially the truncated-BDNF. The findings suggest that exercise increases basal levels of horse serum-BDNF, indicating the positive response of the horse nervous system to physical activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]