Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels Research Articles

BDNF, proBDNF and proBDNF/BDNF ratio with electroencephalographic abnormalities in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Possible relations to cognition and severity.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with and without subclinical epileptogenic discharges (SED) have been suggested to negatively affect cognitive abilities of children with ADHD. The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor proBDNF in ADHD is in need of being investigated. The aims were to evaluate the levels of serum BDNF, proBDNF and the proBDNF/BDNF ratio in addition to the potential impacts of SED on the children's cognitive abilities and the severity of ADHD. The included participants with ADHD were 30 children with normal electroencephalogram (EEG) (G1) and 30 children with SED (G2), together with 30 healthy children (G3). The cognitive abilities and severity of the disorder were evaluated. The biochemical measures were determined by ELISA. The presence of coexisting SED and nocturnal enuresis has led to a deleterious effect on cognitive processes but not on the severity. The focal epileptogenic discharge was the most common among children in G2. The levels of BDNF in Groups 1 and 2 were less than those in G3. The higher proBDNF/BDNF ratio could be related to the low BDNF levels rather than high proBDNF levels. The findings of this study highlight the importance of investigating the presence of SED and nocturnal enuresis in children with ADHD. Targeting strengthening of cognitive abilities in children with coexisting ADHD and SED is advised. The role of proBDNF in the pathophysiology of ADHD needs further investigation.

Relationship Between Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neurotrophin-3 Levels and Hearing Thresholds in Age-Related Patients With Hearing Loss.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a general term used to describe the sensorineural type of hearing loss occurring in both ears in older adults. Neurotrophins are the most promising candidates for supporting the auditory nerve by increasing neuronal survival. This study aimed to help elucidate the pathophysiology of ARHL by determining whether any relationship exists between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) levels in serum samples from patients diagnosed with ARHL. Seventy-seven individuals, a study group of 41 patients diagnosed with ARHL, and a control group of 36 participants without hearing loss were evaluated. Serum samples were collected and used to measure serum BDNF and NT-3 levels with the new Nepenthe enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Median pure-tone average results in the 2000, 4000, and 6000 Hz ranges were 52.5 (44.3-67.3) dB HL in the ARHL group and 13.5 (11.1-17.1) dB HL in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p = .001). Although NT-3 and BDNF levels were both lower in ARHL patients than in participants without hearing loss, only the BDNF levels were significantly (p = .002) lower. Mean left and right ear word recognition scores were also lower in ARHL patients than in control groups. The ARHL group was further divided into two subgroups based on word recognition scores to evaluate significant differences in BDNF and NT-3 levels. No statistically significant difference was observed in BDNF and NT-3 levels between these subgroups. However, there was a significant difference in word recognition scores. Low BDNF levels in the ARHL group suggest that BDNF may play a role in the pathogenesis of ARHL. Patients with low (ARHL1) and high (ARHL2) word recognition scores were compared for the first time in the literature in terms of BDNF and NT-3 levels. However, the results were not statistically significant. This article is a preliminary study and was written to provide guidance for our next comprehensive project.

Can neurocognition, brain neurotrophic factor, triglyceride, and total cholesterol predict suicidal ideation in first-episode Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia?

Previous studies have suggested that the suicide rate of patients with schizophrenia is high. This study investigates factors influencing suicidal ideation in first-episode schizophrenia patients, focusing on cognitive function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. A total of 123 patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 38 healthy controls were included in the study. The patients were divided into suicidal and nonsuicidal ideation groups based on the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and they were assessed with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS). Cognitive function was assessed using the Chinese version of the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB) and the serum BDNF, TG, and TC were detected. The main statistical methods include t-test, χ2 test, multivariate logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the DeLong test. 26.02% of patients exhibited suicidal ideation. Higher PANSS and TC levels were risk factors, while higher MCCB scores and BDNF levels were protective factors. ROC analysis indicated AUCs of 0.630, 0.724, and 0.762 for serum BDNF, PANSS, and MCCB, respectively, with a combined AUC of 0.870. Serum BDNF level, PANSS score, and MCCB score can be used as auxiliary predictors of suicidal ideation in schizophrenic patients. Combining these three indicators can effectively predict suicidal ideation in schizophrenic patients.

Predictive value of S100B and brain derived neurotrophic factor for radiofrequency treatment of lumbar disc prolapse

BackgroundThis work aimed to analyze serum S100B levels and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with lumbar disc prolapse to test their predictive values concerning the therapeutic efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency.MethodsThis prospective interventional study was carried out on 50 patients candidates for radiofrequency for treating symptomatic lumbar disc prolapse. Pain severity and functional disability were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Functional rating index (FRI) before as well as two weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months after the radiofrequency. Quantitative assessment of serum S100B level and BDNF was done for all the included patients one day before radiofrequency.ResultsThe scores of NRS and FRI were significantly improved at two weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months following radiofrequency (P-value < 0.001 in all comparisons). Statistically significant positive correlations were found between duration of pain, NRS, and S100B serum level before radiofrequency, and both NRS (P-value = 0.001, 0.035, < 0.001 respectively) and FRI (P-value = < 0.001, 0.009, 0.001 respectively) 6 months following radiofrequency. Whereas there were statistically significant negative correlations between BDNF serum level before radiofrequency and both NRS and FRI 6 months following radiofrequency (P-value = 0.022, 0.041 respectively). NRS and S100B serum levels before radiofrequency were found to be independent predictors of NRS 6 months following radiofrequency (P-value = 0.040. <0.001, respectively).ConclusionSerum level of S100B is a promising biomarker that can predict functional outcomes after pulsed radiofrequency in patients with lumbar disc prolapse.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is Associated with Self-Reported Quality of Sleep in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Ghana.

Sleep disturbances are common in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and this exacerbates disease severity and results in poor quality of life. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been reported to mediate the association between T2DM and poor sleep health. The burden of self-reported poor sleep quality and duration in T2DM and their association with serum BDNF levels were investigated. In this case-control design, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Instrument was used to assess self-reported sleep quality and duration in 100 patients with T2DM and 80 nondiabetic controls. Sociodemographic data and medical history were collected from case notes and/or using a structured questionnaire. Fasting venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected to measure plasma lipid profile and serum BDNF levels. patients with T2DM had low levels of BDNF, poor sleep quality (61.9% vs 27.5%, p<0.001), and shorter sleep duration (6.1±2.2 vs 6.9±1.1 h, p=0.003). T2DM status was associated with doubling the odds of poor sleep quality [OR (95%CI)=2.06 (1.07-6.43), p=0.039] and 1.6 times the odds of short sleep duration [1.63 (1.03-3.79), p=0.028]. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed no association between serum BDNF levels and sleep status. However, there was a negative biological interaction between T2DM and BDNF levels on poor sleep quality, resulting in 0.28 relative excess risk due to the interaction and a 12% attributable proportion due to the interaction. In this study population, patients with T2DM had a high burden of self-reported poor quality of sleep and shorter sleep duration compared to the nondiabetic controls. T2DM interacts negatively with serum BDNF levels to affect sleep quality.

Exploring the Neurogenetic Landscape of Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Gene in the Complex Web of Neurodevelopment

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with varied manifestations including altered metabolic profiles. Recent research highlights the potential role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a hormone derived from adipose tissue, in the pathology of ASD. BDNF levels are reportedly correlated with the severity of autism symptoms, suggesting a link between metabolic dysfunction and the disorder. Objective: This study aims to deepen the understanding of BDNF levels in individuals with ASD and to explore the implications for diagnosis, treatment, and management of the disorder. It seeks to elucidate the relationship between low BDNF levels and increased autism severity, and to identify potential therapeutic interventions targeting BDNF dysregulation. Methods: EDTA blood samples (5ml each) from 140 participants (108 with ASD and 32 healthy controls) were collected across various hospitals in Karachi. Plasma serum levels of BDNF were analyzed following a six-month follow-up. A comprehensive statistical analysis was performed, focusing on the relationship between BDNF levels and autism severity, and evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic implications of BDNF dysregulation. Results: Analysis revealed that lower BDNF serum levels were consistently associated with higher autism severity. Specifically, 60-70% of participants with ASD scored below 8 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), indicating significant cognitive impairment. The statistical significance of these findings was confirmed with p-values &lt;0.05. Conclusion: The study confirms that low BDNF levels are significantly associated with greater severity of autism symptoms, underscoring the importance of metabolic factors in the pathogenesis of ASD. BDNF stands out as a potential biomarker for early ASD diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies. Future Prospects: Future research should aim to delineate the mechanistic relationship between BDNF dysregulation and ASD pathology. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of BDNF modulation on ASD outcomes and to validate its effectiveness as both a diagnostic and prognostic marker.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and its association with cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis.

To compare the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with healthy controls (HC) and evaluate the BDNF levels in T2DM patients with/without cognitive impairment. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for the published English literature on BDNF in T2DM patients from inception to December 2022. The BDNF data in the T2DM and HC groups were extracted, and the study quality was evaluated using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. A meta-analysis of the pooled data was conducted using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software. A total of 18 English articles fulfilled with inclusion criteria. The standard mean difference of the serum BDNF level was significantly lower in T2DM than that in the HC group (SMD: -2.04, z = 11.19, P <0.001). Besides, T2DM cognitive impairment group had a slightly lower serum BDNF level compared to the non-cognitive impairment group (SMD: -2.59, z = 1.87, P = 0.06). BDNF might be involved in the neuropathophysiology of cerebral damage in T2DM, especially cognitive impairment in T2DM.

Sex-controlled differences in sertraline and citalopram efficacies in major depressive disorder: a randomized, double-blind trial.

To investigate the response to antidepressants while controlling for sex, which has been controversial, 92 outpatient males and females with major depressive disorder were assigned to sertraline (100 mg/day) or citalopram (40 mg/day) in two strata and were assessed using Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) scores and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin (IL)-6 and cortisol serum levels in this 8-week, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind clinical trial. Data of 40 sertraline and 40 citalopram recipients with equal representation of males and females assigned to each medication were analyzed, while their baseline characteristics were not statistically different (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between sertraline and citalopram recipients in outcome changes (P > 0.05), all of which indicated improvement, but a significant time-treatment-sex interaction effect in BDNF levels was observed (P = 0.035). Regarding this, subgroup analyses illustrated a significantly greater increase in male BDNF levels following sertraline treatment (P = 0.020) with a moderate to large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.76 and ). Significant associations were observed between percentage changes in IL-6 levels and BDNF levels in sertraline recipients (P = 0.033) and HDRS scores in citalopram recipients (P < 0.001). Sex was an effect modifier in BDNF alterations following sertraline and citalopram administration. Further large-scale, high-quality, long-term studies are recommended.

Association of Neurotrophic Factors at Midlife With In Vivo Measures of β-Amyloid and Tau Burden 15 Years Later in Dementia-Free Adults.

Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) play an important role in Alzheimer disease (AD) pathophysiology. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are important NTFs. However, a direct link of BDNF and VEGF circulating levels with in vivo measures of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau burden remains to be elucidated. We explored the relationship of BDNF and VEGF serum levels with future brain Aβ and tau pathology in a cohort of cognitively healthy, predominantly middle-aged adults and tested for possible effect modifications by sex and menopausal status. This cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), a community-based cohort study. The study sample included cognitively healthy participants from the FHS Offspring and Third-generation cohorts. BDNF and VEGF were measured in the third-generation cohort during examination cycles 2 (2005-2008) and 1 (2002-2005), respectively, and in the offspring cohort during examination cycle 7 (1998-2001). Participants underwent 11C-Pittsburgh compound B amyloid and 18F-Flortaucipir tau-PET imaging (2015-2021). Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship of serum BDNF and VEGF levels with regional tau and global Aβ, adjusting for potential confounders. Interactions with sex and menopausal status were additionally tested. The sample included 414 individuals (mean age = 41 ± 9 years; 51% female). Continuous measures of BDNF and VEGF were associated with tau signal in the rhinal region after adjustment for potential confounders (β = -0.15 ± 0.06, p = 0.018 and β = -0.19 ± 0.09, p = 0.043, respectively). High BDNF (≥32,450 pg/mL) and VEGF (≥488 pg/mL) levels were significantly related to lower rhinal tau (β = -0.27 ± 0.11, p = 0.016 and β = -0.40 ± 0.14, p = 0.004, respectively) and inferior temporal tau (β = -0.24 ± 0.11, p = 0.028 and β = -0.26 ± 0.13, p = 0.049, respectively). The BDNF-rhinal tau association was observed only among male individuals. Overall, BDNF and VEGF were not associated with global amyloid; however, high VEGF levels were associated with lower amyloid burden in postmenopausal women (β = -1.96 ± 0.70, p = 0.013, per 1 pg/mL). This study demonstrates a robust association between BDNF and VEGF serum levels with in vivo measures of tau almost 2 decades later. These findings add to mounting evidence from preclinical studies suggesting a role of NTFs as valuable blood biomarkers for AD risk prediction.

Impact of transcranial electrical stimulation on serum neurotrophic factors and language function in patients with speech disorders.

Speech disorders have a substantial impact on communication abilities and quality of life. Traditional treatments such as speech and psychological therapies frequently demonstrate limited effectiveness and patient compliance. Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment to improve neurological functions. However, its effectiveness in enhancing language functions and serum neurofactor levels in individuals with speech disorders requires further investigation. To investigate the impact of TES in conjunction with standard therapies on serum neurotrophic factor levels and language function in patients with speech disorders. In a controlled study spanning from March 2019 to November 2021, 81 patients with speech disorders were divided into a control group (n = 40) receiving standard speech stimulation and psychological intervention, and an observation group (n = 41) receiving additional TES. The study assessed serum levels of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF), as well as evaluations of motor function, language function, and development quotient scores. After 3 wk of intervention, the observation group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of CNTF, GDNF, BDNF, and NGF compared to the control group. Moreover, improvements were noted in motor function, cognitive function, language skills, physical abilities, and overall development quotient scores. It is worth mentioning that the observation group also displayed superior performance in language-specific tasks such as writing, reading comprehension, retelling, and fluency. This retrospective study concluded that TES combined with traditional speech and psychotherapy can effectively increase the levels of neurokines in the blood and enhance language function in patients with speech disorders. These results provide a promising avenue for integrating TES into standard treatment methods for speech disorders.

Cognitive dysfunction, depression and serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Aim of the workTo evaluate serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in Egyptian patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relation with cognitive dysfunction. Patients and methodsThe study was carried out on 60 RA patients; 30 were active (group A) and 30 were non active (group B); and 30 controls (group C). RA disease activity was assessed via DAS28 tool, cognitive function via The Montreal Cognitive Assessment and depression via the PHQ depression scale. Serum BDNF levels were measured. ResultsThe mean age in group A was 37.8 (±9.37) years with 83.3% females, in group B was 39.97 (±8.04) years with 86.7% females and in group C was 33.17 (±3.6) years with 93.3% females. Abnormal cognitive functions test was detected in 66.7% of group A, 66.7% of group B, and in 23.3% of group C. There was a statistically significant difference in BDNF serum level between both groups of patients (1.58±0.9ng/ml for group A, 1.81±1.17ng/ml for group B) compared with the control group (3.01±1.25ng/ml, p<0.001).There was no statistically significant difference between BDNF and both disease duration and cognitive function, also no statistically significant difference regarding cognitive function, depression, and BNDF levels in patients with and without fibromyalgia. At a cut-off value of <2ng/ml, BDNF detected RA patients with cognitive dysfunction with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 96.67%. ConclusionBDNF can be a potential biomarker of cognitive dysfunction in RA patients.

Effect of flipped venous catheter combined with spinal cord electrical stimulation on functional recovery in patients with sciatic nerve injury.

This study aimed to explore the effect of flipped venous catheters combined with spinal cord electrical stimulation on functional recovery in patients with sciatic nerve injury. 160 patients with hip dislocation and sciatic nerve injury were divided into conventional release and flipped catheter + electrical stimulation groups according to the treatment methods (n=80). Motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and lower limb motor function were compared. Serum neurotrophic factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were compared. The frequency of complications and quality of life were also compared. The MCV levels of the common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve in the flipped catheter + electrical stimulation group were greater than the conventional lysis group (p<0.05). After treatment, the lower extremity motor score (LMEs) in the flipped catheter + electrical stimulation group was greater than the conventional lysis group (p<0.05). The serum levels of BDNF and NGF in the flip catheter + electrical stimulation group were higher than the conventional lysis group (p<0.05). The complication rate in the flipped catheter + electrical stimulation group was lower than in the conventional release group (6.25% vs. 16.25%, p<0.05). The quality-of-life score in the flip catheter + electrical stimulation group was greater than the conventional lysis group (p<0.05). The flipped venous catheter combined with spinal cord electrical stimulation can improve nerve conduction velocity, lower limb motor function, serum BDNF and NGF levels, reduce complications, and help improve the quality of life of sufferers with sciatic nerve injury. Chictr.org.cn ID: ChiCTR2400080984.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR AND MILD TO MODERATE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN THE OLDER MEXICAN POPULATION.

Background: Mild–moderate cognitive impairment is a frequent pathology in the adult population. It is important to explore early expression biomarkers that contribute to early detection and benefit the prognostic outlook. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential regulator of synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and differentiation, and even a critical molecular target for drug development in neurological disorders. It is crucial to carry out studies in the early stages that better clarify the landscape of BDNF.Objective: To compare the serum levels of BDNF in healthy adult patients and those with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.Materials and methods: A case–control study in patients over 55 years with cognitive impairment, obtained by the MMSE ® and MoCA ® screening scales. A total of 191 patients, 102 patients with cognitive impairment (cases) and 89 healthy ones (controls) participated in the study. Blood samples were collected to obtain serum, with the determination of BDNF concentrations. For differences in BDNF concentrations, one-way analysis of variance ANOVA was used. The significance level of p < 0.05.Results: The mean serum concentration of BDNF in the case group was 277.68 ± 75.09 vs. the control group, where the concentration was 354.97 ± 66.06 pg. /mL (P = 0.001).Conclusions: there is an association between decreased BDNF levels and mild and moderate cognitive impairment in our study population.

Up-regulation of systemic and local BDNF in non-allergic Nasal Polyps in China

Objective: Although the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in allergic rhinitis and/or nasal polyps (NPs) development has been studied, the contribution of BDNF in non-allergic NPs has not been evaluated yet. This study was to investigate the possible role of BDNF in non-allergic NPs pathogenesis.&#x0D; Methods: The study was carried out at The Second Hospital of Shandong University from December 2020 to November 2021. The non-allergic NPs patients (n=26) and the control group (n=22) were included. Lund-Mackay CT scores, nasal endoscopy scores, and pulmonary function testing were evaluated before surgery. Tissue and serum levels of BDNF, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and cytokeratins 5 (CK5) were assessed between different groups.&#x0D; Result: The BDNF level in serum and tissue, CK5 count, and eosinophil infiltration in tissue were higher in non-allergic NPs. The eosinophils infiltration, ECP mRNA expression level, as well as BDNF mRNA level were increased in the BDNFhigh subgroup compared with BDNFlow subgroup. Significantly negative correlations between BDNF count and the situation of airway obstruction were found in non-allergic NPs.&#x0D; Conclusion: BDNF may have both local and systemic effects in non-allergic NPs pathogenesis. BDNF may be a possible therapeutic target or an indicator for eosinophilic NPs management.&#x0D; doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7907&#x0D; How to cite this: Zhou X, Zhang Q, Wan Y, Shi L. Up-regulation of systemic and local BDNF in non-allergic Nasal Polyps in China. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7907&#x0D; This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Independent Impact of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Cardiovascular Prognosis in Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Objectives: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker of depressive symptoms manifests a novel role in the cardiovascular system. This study aims to indicate the association of BDNF levels between depressive symptoms and the cardiovascular prognosis in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Methods: Participants were recruited from hospitalized CHD patients between November 18, 2020 and November 26, 2021, in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. Serum BDNF levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Depressive symptom was evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The cardiovascular events were the endpoint outcomes across the 12-month follow-up. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the relationship of serum BDNF levels between depressive symptom and prognosis. Results: A total of 102 CHD patients (60.6 ± 10.4 year, 76% male) were enrolled. Based on the median serum BDNF levels, the participants were grouped into those “low BDNF (≤0.65 ng/mL)” versus “high BDNF (≥0.65 ng/mL).” CHD patients with low BDNF levels had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PHQ–9 ≥10) compared with high BDNF levels. Within a median 540 days of follow-up, low serum BDNF increased the risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.26; 95% confidence interval = 1.18–9.02, P = 0.02) after adjustment for confounding factors. Conclusions: CHD patients with low serum BDNF levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, independently of depressive symptoms.

Biomarkers of Depression among Adolescent Girls: BDNF and Epigenetics.

Alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression have been suggested to mediate the influence of environmental factors on the emergence of depression through epigenetic modifications. However, research on this subject in the developmental population is lacking and the pathophysiology of adolescent depression remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the alterations in BDNF expression and global DNA methylation in depression among adolescent girls. Thirty female inpatients with the initial diagnosis of depression were assessed before and after the period of antidepressant treatment and compared with thirty age-matched healthy controls. The assessment involved BDNF and proBDNF serum levels, the BDNF gene exon IV promoter methylation, and global DNA methylation. The methylation level in the BDNF gene exon IV promoter was significantly lower in the studied group compared with the control and correlated negatively with the severity of depression. The test distinguished the studied group from the controls with a sensitivity of 37% and specificity of 90%. The differences were no longer present after the period of antidepressant treatment. No differences in the global DNA methylation, BDNF, and proBDNF levels were found. We concluded that decreased methylation in the BDNF exon IV promoter could be considered as a biomarker of a depression state among adolescent girls.

NeuroGenetics of Alzheimer’s Disease: Cross-Linking BDNF Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Genetic Nexus of Type II Diabetes and Dementia

Background: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are commonly associated with aging, particularly in the context of Type II Diabetes Mellitus (Type II DM), which is known to exacerbate micro and macrovascular complications that affect cognitive functions. The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) gene has been implicated in the neurodegenerative processes that underscore these conditions. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the expression of the BDNF gene in diabetic patients with dementia and analyze its correlation with cognitive impairment, to establish BDNF as a potential biomarker for early detection and therapeutic targeting. Methods: A cohort of 102 patients with diabetic dementia and 32 healthy controls was enrolled. EDTA blood samples were collected and processed to measure BDNF serum levels using a Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA). Genomic DNA was isolated, and its integrity was confirmed via UV spectrophotometry and gel electrophoresis. The bisulfite DNA modification and Methylation-Specific PCR were conducted to analyze BDNF gene expression, followed by quantitative real-time PCR. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: The study revealed a significant decrease in BDNF serum levels in diabetic dementia patients (12.6 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls (34.8 ng/mL), with MMSE scores averaging at 13.2 and 24.6, respectively. BDNF gene expression showed a 4.1-fold decrease in the dementia group. Statistical analysis indicated that these differences were significant (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The reduced expression of BDNF in patients with diabetic dementia confirms its potential as a biomarker for cognitive impairment. Early detection and intervention strategies that modulate BDNF could ameliorate the impact of dementia in the context of diabetes.

Lower serum BDNF as a predictor of post-stroke cognitive impairment in acute ischemic stroke patients

Background Reduced level of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in acute stroke patients is associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to identify the role of serum BDNF level as a predictor for post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Methods This was a prospective study. We recruited acute ischemic stroke patients in Dr. Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta, Indonesia followed them up for 90 days (3 months). Serum BDNF was collected at day 5 and day 30 of stroke onset and measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to measure the cognitive function at 90 days of follow up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted to measure the cut-off point of the BDNF level. Factors independently associated with PSCI were analyzed by using stepwise regression. Results Among 89 patients recruited, 60 patients (67.41%) developed PSCI. The mean age of PSCI and non-PSCI patients was 62.7 ± 9.5 and 57.5 ± 8.7, respectively (p = 0.01). Patients with dyslipidemia were less likely to develop PSCI (OR 0.10, 95%CI 0.02-0.51, p &lt; 0.05). In addition, patients with day 5-serum BDNF level &lt; 23.29 ng/mL were five times more likely to develop PSCI compared with their counterparts (OR 5.15, 95%CI 1.26-21.09, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions Among acute ischemic stroke patients, those with serum BDNF &lt;23.29 ng/mL had a higher risk of developing PSCI. This study suggests that BDNF could be a predictor of PSCI, allowing for earlier detection and better preventive strategies.

Assessment of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in serum of children with autism spectrum disorders

BackgroundThe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has no identified biomarker for early detection or for its severity. As for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), it is a crucial neurotropic factor that regulates the plasticity and maturing of neuronal synapses. Accordingly, it might influence how children with autism develop.MethodTo evaluate the BDNF serum levels in autistic children and their relationship with the illness severity as well as with the common drugs received by autistic patients, 60 patients with autism along with another 60 normally developing children were involved in the study. Using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the severity of autism was then evaluated. The ELISA method was used to measure the BDNF level.ResultsIt was seen that the BDNF concentrations were higher in autism patients (P < 0.001). There was also a highly strong positive association between the CARS score and the BDNF (P < 0.001). Using the cut-off value of > 2.8 of BDNF helped to distinguish between well-developing and autistic children, with the aspects of “sensitivity” and “specificity” being 88.3% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, children with autism who received omega-3 had statistically lower levels of BDNF than those who did not take any (P = 0.040).ConclusionThe serum BDNF concentration is higher in autism; this proposes that the BDNF may contribute to the onset or progress of autism. Therefore, it may be used as a noninvasive biomarker for the illness severity because of its greater occurrence in autistic children who have severe social impairment.

Synapse-Related Serum and P300 Biomarkers Predict the Occurrence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Depression.

Cognitive impairment is one of the common concomitant symptoms of depression. The aims of the present study were to predict the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with depression. In this study, 217 patients with depression were recruited. Demographic data, serum indices and ERP indices from all participants were collected in the baseline period. The participants were followed for one year, and data from 200 patients were included in final analysis. Patients with depression were divided into those with MCI group (DWM group; n=145) and those without MCI (DWOM group; n=55). Data from the DWM group and the DWOM group were used to construct a logistic regression model, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn. Another 72 patients were used to validate the accuracy of our model. Compared with DWOM individuals, DWM individuals were more likely to live alone (P<0.05), had lower baseline serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22) (P<0.05), and exhibited higher baseline latencies of P300, mismatch negativity (MMN), and N200 (P<0.05). Baseline serum BDNF and FGF22 levels, along with the P300 latency, were selected to construct the regression model using logistic regression. The regression equation was [Formula: see text], and the combination of the 3 indices yielded an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.790 and a predictive accuracy of 0.806. The logistic regression model and ROC curves based on serum BDNF and FGF22 levels and the P300 latency could provide a more effective means to predict the occurrence of MCI in patients with depression.