Investigation of comt gene expression levels in patients with schizophrenia BY real time – PCR

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study to investigate the expression levels of COMT gene from blood materials of schizophrenic individuals by Real Time-PCR technique and to obtain data by examining the transcriptional expression of the gene. Material and Methods: In our study, 8 patients who were diagnosed as chronic schizophrenia and treated at the Psychiatry Clinic of Hafsa Sultan Hospital, Manisa Celal Bayar University, consisted the patient group. 8 healthy volunteers who didn't have a family history of chronic schizophrenia consisted the control group. After RNA isolation for each individual in the sample group, expression levels in the COMT gene were determined using Real Time-PCR technique. Relative gene expression analysis was performed using 2-∆∆CT method. Results: According to the results of our study, it was determined that the expression levels of COMT gene in our 4, 6 and 8 patients had significant down regulation. Conclusions: In our study, Real Time-PCR method was used to determine COMT gene expression levels in schizophrenic patients and it was found that COMT gene expression level decreased. These results may indicate that it may play an important role in down-regulation of COMT gene expression in schizophrenia. Keywords: Schizophrenia, COMT, RNA, Gene Expression, Real Time-PCR