Association between catechol-O-methyltransferase genetic variation and functional connectivity in patients with first-episode schizophrenia

Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays an important role in cognitive performance and regulates by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) expression. To clarify the effect of COMT genotype on cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, we performed DNA genotyping, cognitive evaluations, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in antipsychotic-na ïve patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and matched healthy control subjects. We found that all cognitive domains were impaired in patients with FES compared with healthy subjects.
Source: Schizophrenia Research - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research