To identify the plasma microRNA profile in treatment-naïve Romanian adolescents with first-episode psychosis and compare it with age-and sex-matched healthy controls.
Key Findings:
21 miRNAs showed significantly lower levels and 2 higher levels in FEP patients compared to controls.
After adjustment for multiple comparisons, miR-125a-5p, miR-205-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-363-3p, and miR-23b-3p remained statistically significant (FDR<0.05).
miR-125a-5p, miR-23b-3p, and miR-146a-5p levels negatively correlated with psychotic, depressive, and manic symptom severity.
miR-16-5p and miR-363-3p positively correlated with symptom scores.
Interpretation:
The study indicates that Romanian treatment-naïve adolescents with first-episode psychosis have a unique circulating miRNA profile correlated with symptom severity, suggesting their potential as early-stage biomarkers.
Limitations:
Limited overlap with previous studies may reflect influences of age, treatment status, and genetic or environmental factors.
Conclusion:
The results highlight the necessity of accounting for age, treatment status, and environmental variables in interpreting miRNA modifications in psychotic illnesses.
