Effect of Omega-3 Adjuvant Therapy on Cognitive Improvement and Levels of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Schizophrenia Patients Receiving Risperidone Therapy

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a disorder with severe and persistent psychotic manifestations accompanied by cognitive impairment. Treatment with atypical antipsychotic therapy (APG-2) provides only minimal benefit for the cognitive impairment of schizophrenia patients. Many efforts are currently being expanded to find new treatments that can serve as “co-treatments” to improve neurocognition from aspects of neurobiology and neuroplasticity. Several studies found that omega-3 fatty acids can improve cognitive function in schizophrenia patients.Objective: The objective is to assess the impact of omega-3 adjuvant therapy on improving cognitive function and elevating glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who are undergoing risperidone treatment.Method: A research study utilizing experimental analysis, including pre-tests and post-tests with non-random group selection, was conducted at Dadi Regional Special Hospital in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, between May and July 2023. Sample testing was carried out at the HUMRC Research Laboratory. The study involved 44 participants divided into two groups: a treatment group comprising 22 individuals who received 4 mg/day risperidone along with Omega-3 supplements for eight weeks and a control group of 22 individuals who received only 4 mg/day risperidone. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MoCA-Ina tool, while GDNF serum levels were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Significance was assessed through the Chi-square, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests.Results: There was an improvement in cognitive function and a significant increase of GDNF serum levels in schizophrenia patients who received omega-3 adjuvant therapy over 8 weeks compared to individuals with schizophrenia who solely received the antipsychotic risperidone. Conclusion: Supplementing standard risperidone therapy with omega-3 adjuvant can enhance cognitive function and elevate GDNF levels.