Does brain-derived neurotrophic factor play a role in depression in hemodialysis patients?

Abstract

Background Many end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) suffer from depressive disorders as well as anxiety. These often underdiagnosed conditions not only decrease the quality of life of patients but also increase their mortality. Decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a marker of depression that can be used for the diagnosis and follow-up of depression in the general population. Objectives The aim of the present study was to study the role of BDNF in depression in HD patients. Patients and methods A single-center, cross-sectional study was carried out including 50 depressed (group I) and 35 nondepressed (group II) ESRD patients on maintained HD according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. BDNF levels were measured in all patients. Result The mean BDNF level was significantly lower in depressed HD patients (2556.0±1498.15 pg/ml) in comparison with group II (9017.14±4249.60 pg/ml), with a P value less than 0.001. Serum BDNF level was also correlated negatively with both the anxiety (rs=−0.440, P Conclusion Anxiety and depression are closely linked in ESRD patients. BDNF is significantly lower in depressed HD patients and correlates negatively with both depression and anxiety. It is a useful biomarker in the detection of depression, a common often undiagnosed and undertreated condition, in ESRD.