Pyrroloquinoline Quinone for Negative and Cognitive Symptoms in Chronic Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that comes with various symptoms, including negative symptoms and cognitive issues. Some studies suggest that addressing problems like mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses could help ease these symptoms, but results vary. This study focuses on a substance called Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and its potential to reduce negative symptoms and improve cognitive function in individuals with chronic schizophrenia. The goal is to understand if PQQ could be a helpful addition to current treatments, potentially enhancing the quality of care for those living with this condition. During this study, participants diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia will be randomly assigned to receive either PQQ or a placebo. The study will track changes in symptom severity from the start to the end of the treatment, and for eight weeks after. To measure these changes, researchers will use questionnaires and neuroimaging techniques, such as resting-state scans and multimodal tasks. These tools help assess functional connectivity and activation in specific brain regions. Safety is a priority, and any adverse events will be closely monitored. The study also aims to understand if factors like age and gender could influence the effects of PQQ.