Decreased Serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in Individuals with Schizophrenia Normalizes after Zinc and B-6 Therapy

Aim To assess serum HGF concentration in individuals with schizophrenia and investigate the efficacy of zinc and B-6 therapy on these levels. Subjects and methods Serum from 18 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 19 age and gender similar controls (P = 0.18) were tested for HGF concentration using ELISAs, and tested for copper and zinc plasma levels using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Results HGF serum levels of individuals with schizophrenia, before zinc and B-6 therapy, were significantly lower than age and gender similar controls (P = 0.016), and significantly lower in schizophrenia patients pre-therapy compared to post therapy (P = 0.028). HGF levels normalized (reached levels similar to controls) post-therapy. Zinc levels in these same individuals also normalized, and perceived symptoms, particularly anxiety (P = 0.03), improved significantly after therapy. Discussion These results suggest an association between low HGF levels and schizophrenia and demonstrate that zinc and B-6 therapy may be associated with the normalization of HGF levels and perceived improvement in symptoms.