Reduction of serotonin receptor 2A protein level in peripheral blood lymphocytes during antipsychotic medication is biomarker of therapy safety

Abstract

We studied mRNA and protein levels of serotonin receptor 2A (5-НТ2А) in lymphocytes of schizophrenia patients both before and after 28 days of antipsychotic therapy in order to estimate biomarkers of efficacy and safety of the treatment. We found lower mRNA and protein levels of 5-НТ2А in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of schizophrenia patients with alcohol addiction syndrome than in PBL of schizophrenia patients without addictions (р<0.001). Absence of common adverse side effects (antipsychotic-induced weight gain, parkinsonism, akathisia) during antipsychotic therapy was associated with reduction of 5-НТ2А protein level in PBL by 28th day of the treatment, while HTR2A mRNA level was not changed. Reduction of 5-НТ2А protein level in PBL by 28th day may be a potential biomarker of the antipsychotic therapy safety.