Abstract
PurposeStroke is the second most common cause of mortality worldwide and the third most common cause of motor disability. From another perspective, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a metabolite that plays several neuroprotective roles. While cardiometabolic diseases are the leading cause of stroke, BDNF represents a target factor in the prevention and/or recovery from stroke. Aim: In this narrative review, I have summarised the clinical evidence of BDNF participation in the recovery from a stroke and discuss the potential use of exercise as a rehabilitation tool.MethodsMultiple combinations of the terms ‘brain infarction’, ‘cerebral infarction’, ‘hemorrhagic stroke’, ‘ischemic stroke’, ‘embolic stroke’ or ‘thrombotic stroke’ AND ‘BDNF’ or ‘pro-BDNF’ were used in PubMed databases. Studies not available in the English language or addressing animal experiments were excluded.Results and prospectsSeventeen clinical studies published up to June 30th of 2023 were included in this review. Changes in the patients circulating BDNF levels represent their capability of recovery from the stroke outcomes. A subtle, but consistent, negative influence of the presence of the 66Met-allele in BDNF on motor and cognitive competencies is seen in patients recovering from a stroke throughout the studies – an effect that is not reportedly detectable in other neuropathological conditions. Exercise exerts a positive modulation on BDNF levels that accompanies improvements in stroke recovery and might exert a preventive role against the severity of stroke outcomes.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.