Association between serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cardiac function in patients with β-thalassemia major

Abstract

Most patients with beta-thalassemia major develop cardiomyopathy. BDNF is a member of the neurotrophin family that has been reported to play a special role in regulating cardiac function and maintaining its health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the BDNF level and its association with cardiac function in patients with β-thalassemia major.This analysis was done in a young adult cohort (ages 18–30). The study was conducted in two groups: patients with β-thalassemia major (n = 34) and healthy subjects (n = 34). Comparison of BDNF between the two groups was performed by unpaired t-test. Correlations between BDNF levels and cardiac function variables were analyzed with Pearson's correlation test. Serum BDNF level was significantly lower in the patients with β-thalassemia major as compared to healthy subjects (p < 0. 001, t = 6). There was a relationship between the serum BDNF level and the cardiac function indexes in the patients with β-thalassemia major (BDNF and LVEF; p < 0.05, r squared = 0.14), (BDNF and LVSV; p < 0.01, r squared = 0.20), (BDNF and LVEDV; p < 0.05, r squared = 0.16), (BDNF and LVESV; p < 0.05, r squared = 0.13), (BDNF and CI; p < 0.05, r squared = 0.17), (BDNF and LVEDD; p < 0.05, r squared = 0.12), (BDNF and LVESD; p < 0.01, r squared = 0.21). Our study showed an association between the serum BDNF level and the cardiac function indexes in the patients with β-thalassemia major, as decreased serum BDNF level reduces the cardiac function. Therefore, to enhance cardiac function of patients with β-thalassemia major, therapeutic strategies that can increase serum BDNF levels in these patients can be considered.