Depressive Symptoms, Exercise, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Mini Review

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic widespread pain condition. Other symptoms often can be found, such as fatigue, lack of sleep, irritable bowel syndrome, and mood disturbance. In addition, depression is a clinically relevant symptom that commonly found in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor has been known to play a role in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Additionally, brain derived neurotrophic factor is related to depression. However, the role of this neurotrophin and depression in fibromyalgia syndrome patients needs to be elucidated. Exercise is one of recommended treatment modalities for fibromyalgia syndrome patients which may influence the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Thus, this review summarize the available data on the correlation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with depression in fibromyalgia syndrome patients and the knowledge about influences of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels.