Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain

Abstract

ObjectiveDiabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is one of the most common and severe complications in patients with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with DNP and to evaluate the association between BDNF and disease severity. MethodsA total of 143 T2DM patients were included, according to clinical characteristics and douleur neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire are divided into the DNP group (n = 78) and without the DNP group (n = 65). BDNF levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, other biochemical characteristics were measured using routine laboratory methods. ResultsSerum levels of BDNF was increased significantly in the DNP group compared to without DNP group. Meanwhile, a binary logistic regression model identified as revealed BDNF (OR = 1.178, 95 %CI = 1.064−1.305,p = 0.002) was a risk factor in T2DM patients. Furthermore, the serum BDNF levels positively correlated with VAS score in the DNP patients. ConclusionsSerum BDNF was elevated in DNP patients and increased gradually with the VAS score. BDNF was identified as risk factors for pain in all T2DM patients.