Evaluation Serum Levels of G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor and Its Diagnostic Value in Patients with Schizophrenia

Background: Estrogens not only play a role in the reproductive system of the female but also have a significant role in modulating the activities of serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and GABA, important neurotransmitters involved in schizophrenia. The physiological effects of estrogen-related components are mostly regulated by Estrogen receptor alpha (Er alpha), Estrogen receptor beta (Er beta), and G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER-1), which are subtypes of estrogen receptors. This study aimed to examine the possible role of GPER-1 in schizophrenia by comparing schizophrenia patients with sex - and age-matched healthy controls and examining the association between symptom severity and GPER-1. Methods: The study sample consisted of 36 people with schizophrenia and 30 age - and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded by pre-designed questionnaires for participants, and all required laboratory tests and physical examinations were performed; the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was administered to all schizophrenia patients. Results: We found that male schizophrenia patients had higher GPER-1 levels than male controls. However, we found no difference in the levels of GPER-1 between female patients and female controls. No significant correlation was found among age, PANSS score, duration of illness, and GPER-1 levels. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that male patients with schizophrenia had high serum GPER-1 levels compared with healthy male controls, and that the levels of GPER-1 had good diagnostic value in patients with schizophrenia.