Let-7, mir-98 and mir-183 as biomarkers for cancer and schizophrenia [corrected].

Recent evidence supports a role of microRNAs in cancer and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, through their regulatory role on the expression of multiple genes. The rather rare co-morbidity of cancer and schizophrenia is an old hypothesis which needs further research on microRNAs as molecules that might exert their oncosuppressive or oncogenic activity in the context of their role in psychiatric disorders. The expression pattern of a variety of different microRNAs was investigated in patients (N = 6) suffering from schizophrenia termed control, patients with a solid tumor (N = 10) and patients with both schizophrenia and tumor (N = 8). miRNA profiling was performed on whole blood samples using the miRCURY LNA microRNA Array technology (6th & 7th generation). A subset of 3 microRNAs showed a statistically significant differential expression between the control and the study groups. Specifically, significant down-regulation of the let-7p-5p, miR-98-5p and of miR-183-5p in the study groups (tumor alone and tumorand schizophrenia) was observed (p<0.05). The results of the present study showed that let-7, miR-98 and miR-183 may play an important oncosuppressive role through their regulatory impact in gene expression irrespective of the presence of schizophrenia, although a larger sample size is required to validate these results. Nevertheless, further studies are warranted in order to highlight a possible role of these and other micro-RNAs in the molecular pathways of schizophrenia.

Hypogonadism due to hyperprolactinemia and subsequent first episode of psychosis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperprolactinemia causes hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Hyperprolactinemia can be pre-existing in some patients with schizophrenia. Dopamine is the most important prolactin-inhibiting factor, and dopaminergic hyperactivity has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychosis. OBJECTIVE: Since dopamine is a prolactin-inhibiting factor and dopamine imbalanced has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders, we investigated the probable relationship between hyperprolactinemia and the development of psychotic symptoms, in a patient with hypogonadism due to hyperprolactnemia and subsequent first episode of psychosis. Since dopamine is a prolactin-inhibiting factor and dopamine imbalance has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders, we investigated the probable relationship between hyperprolactinemia and the development of psychotic symptoms. METHODS: We present the case of a patient with hypogonadism secondary to chronic, untreated hyperprolactinemia who developed acute psychotic symptoms. RESULTS: Psychotic symptoms resolved soon after treatment with aripiprazole in conjunction with cabergoline, with a concomitant decrease in serum prolactin level. CONCLUSION: This is an interesting case illustrating a complicated relationship among hypogonadism secondary to a prolactinoma and dopamine and psychosis.

Internet use and misuse: a multivariate regression analysis of the predictive factors of internet use among Greek adolescents.

The internet is an integral tool for information, communication, and entertainment among adolescents. As adolescents devote increasing amounts of time to utilizing the internet, the risk for adopting excessive and pathological internet use is inherent. The study objectives include assessing the characteristics and predictors of excessive internet use and evaluating the prevalence of pathological internet use among Greek adolescents. A cross-sectional study design was applied to this effect. The study population (n = 897) consisted of a random sample of adolescents residing in Athens, Greece. Self-completed questionnaires, pertaining to internet access characteristics and Young's Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS) score, were applied in order to investigate the study objectives. The multivariate regression analysis indicated that the most significant predictors of overall internet use included accessing the internet via one's own home portal and for the purpose of social interaction. Internet access via the school environment was a significant deterrent among low (1-3 h/week) internet users, while access via internet cafés was a significant predictor for high (11-20 h/week) internet users. Moreover, accessing the internet for the purposes of game playing was the most significant predictor for excessive (>20 h/week) internet use. The prevalence of borderline internet use among the study population was 12.8%, while 1.00% reported addictive internet use. Also, 10.4% of male excessive internet users reported addictive internet use (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, excessive internet use is predicted solely by the location of internet access (own home portal) and the scope of internet use (i.e., sites relating to socialization and game playing) and may lead to internet addiction, particularly among male adolescents.