Mean Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels Research Articles

The relationship between the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene and the level of serum neurotrophic factor in patients with Parkinson's disease

To evaluate the clinical features and the level of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in groups of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) differentiated by the genotypes of BDNF polymorphism (rs6265). The level of serum BDNF in the biomarkers' multiplex panel of neurodegenerative diseases (HNDG3MAG-36K) was assessed in 134 PD patients. Allele discrimination was carried out by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes for the analysis of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism in groups of patients and controls (n=192) matched for sex, age and ethnicity. Comparing the distribution of rs6265 genotypes and alleles between groups of patients and controls no significant differences were found (p>0.05). Serum BDNF levels varied significantly by genotype (rs6265) among PD patients. Minimum mean serum BDNF level (320.1±164.6 pg/ml) was noted for individuals with the AA genotype, which significantly differs from the corresponding indicator among individuals with GA (2944.2±1590.6 pg/ml; p=0.0001) and GG genotypes (2949.4±1620.6 pg/ml; p=3.9×10-5). The concentration of BDNF significantly differed between patients with different forms of PD (p=0.0007) and increased as the stage of the disease progressed according to Hoehn and Yahr staging scale (p=1.0×10-6). The BDNF rs6265 polymorphism was not associated with the development of PD in the studied population. The variability of the mean serum BDNF level was established depending on the genotype of the BDNF polymorphism in PD patients and a number of clinical features.

Tear and serum levels of the neuromarker BDNF in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without diabetic retinopathy

Background: Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the growth factors capable of exerting simultaneous effects on the vascular and metabolic components of the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR).Purpose: To examine tear and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients with and without DR.Material and Methods: One hundred and seventy patients with DM2 and 84 practically healthy individuals without any eye disease (totally, 254 individuals and 504 eyes) were included in the study. Of the total individuals included in the study, 49.2% were males and 50.8% were females. The mean age plus or minus standard deviation was 67 ± 4.2 years for men and 64 ± 5.6 years for women.Results: It was found that tear BDNF levels lower than 97.5 pg/ml and serum BDNF levels lower than 23.8 ng/ml indicate the transition to DR, whereas tear BDNF levels lower than 62.0 pg/ml and serum BDNF levels lower than 12.0 ng/ml indicate the development of proliferative DR.Conclusion: Mean serum BDNF levels as low as below 23.8 ± 1.33 ng/ml and mean tear BDNF levels as low as below 97.5 ± 5.57 pg/ml are an early sign of DR.

Physical Exercise and Serum BDNF Levels: Accounting for the Val66Met Polymorphism in Older Adults.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, which can be measured in blood serum, has been found to increase with aerobic exercise. The link between BDNF level, physical exercise, and genetic status (Val66Met polymorphism) has not been well researched in older adults. To investigate the possible link between BDNF expression, acute aerobic exercise, and the Val66Met polymorphism in older adults. Twenty-three healthy older adults participated in one session of acute aerobic exercise. Their serum BDNF levels were measured both at baseline and post exercise. Saliva samples were collected to identify each individual's genetic status. At baseline, the individuals' mean serum BDNF level was 16.03 ng/mL (Val66Val = 15.89 ng/mL; Val66Met = 16.34 ng/mL); post exercise, the individuals' mean serum BDNF level was 16.81 ng/mL (Val66Val = 16.14 ng/mL; Val66Met = 18.34 ng/mL). One session of acute aerobic exercise significantly increased the individuals' mean serum BDNF level. Males had higher BDNF levels than females. There was a significant interaction between gender and BDNF expression post exercise and a significant between-group effect of gender. The Val66Met carriers had a more positive response to the acute aerobic exercise compared with the Val66Val carriers, although without a significant difference between the two groups.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness in macular telangiectasia type 2.

To determine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the serum and aqueous humor (AH) and assess the relationship between BDNF levels and the thickness of the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). This study included 25 patients with MacTel (MacTel group) and 25 control subjects (control group). The levels of BDNF in the serum and AH were tested using an enzyme-binding immunosorbent assay. GCIPL thickness was measured by segmentation analysis using optical coherence tomography (OCT). There was no significant difference in the mean serum BDNF levels between the MacTel and control groups (p = 0.145). The average BDNF level in the AH was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.026). OCT segmentation analyses revealed that the minimum GCIPL thickness was significantly lower in the MacTel group than in the control group (p = 0.039). In the correlation analysis of BDNF levels with GCIPL thickness, significant correlations existed between the BDNF level of the AH and minimum GCIPL thickness in the MacTel group. The concentration of BDNF in the AH was decreased in the MacTel group, and this reduction was related to the minimum GCIPL thickness. The low BDNF levels detected in the MacTel group may have resulted in thinning of the GCIPL due to the loss of retinal ganglion cells.

Pattern of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels after acute interval exercise versus acute continuous exercise in obese adolescent females

Obesity has been linked to lower cognitive function, while exercise is known to be beneficial in enhancing the cognitive function. Exercise is also known to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as the biological marker of cognitive function. This study aimed to analyse the pattern of serum BDNF levels after acute interval exercise (MIE) versus acute continuous exercise (MCE) in obese adolescent females. A total of 24 obese females were enrolled in this study and given acute interval exercise and acute continuous exercise with moderate intensity. The serum level of BDNF in all samples was quantified using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA, and LSD post-hoc test with a 5% significance level. The results revealed pre-exercise mean serum BDNF levels of 254.17±86.90 pg/ml (Control), 263.21±79.82 pg/ml (MIE) and 266.01±33.29 pg/ml (MCE) (P=0.948). The mean serum BDNF levels at 10 min post-exercise were 248.84±44.42 pg/ml (Control), 397.00±31.36 pg/ml (MIE), and 582.82±79.24 pg/ml (MCE) (P=0.000). The mean serum BDNF levels at 6 h post-exercise were 250.05±70.44 pg/ml (Control), 344.50±68.84 pg/ml (MIE), and 364.42±100.87 pg/ml (MCE) (P=0.029). The mean serum BDNF levels at 24 h post-exercise were 244.20±48.55 pg/ml (Control), 252.49±89.11 pg/ml (MIE), and 250.99±65.86 pg/ml (MCE) (P=0.986). It was concluded that serum BDNF in obese adolescent females increased but transiently. Serum BDNF levels increased by acute exercise in both MIE and MCE at 10 min and 6 h post-exercise. However, serum BDNF level at 24 h post-exercise decreased close to the pre-exercise serum BDNF level in all groups. Further research is needed studying the effect of chronic exercise on the kinetics of serum BDNF levels in obese adolescent females.

Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Myostatin Levels Are Associated With Skeletal Muscle Mass in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Sarcopenia, or reduced muscle mass, can be an important complication in kidney transplant recipients. The skeletal muscles were recently reported to secrete various myokines, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and myostatin, to regulate their mass, function, or both. The aim of the present study was to analyze the interrelationship between myokines (BDNF and myostatin) and skeletal muscle mass in kidney transplant recipients. The study population comprised 40 patients who underwent kidney transplantation at Kansai Medical University Hospital. Twenty patients had low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) values, as measured on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and were categorized into 2 groups (low SMI and normal). Mean serum BDNF levels were 15.7 ng/mL in the low SMI group and 17.8 ng/mL in the normal group (P=.013). Mean serum myostatin levels were 362 pg/mL in the low SMI and 267 pg/mL in the normal group (P=.024). There was a significant positive correlation among metabolic equivalents and serum BDNF levels (r=0.817; P < .001) and a significant negative correlation among metabolic equivalents and serum myostatin levels (r=-0.541; P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that serum BDNF and level of area under curve was 0.712, and serum myostatin level of area under the curve was 0.690. Serum BDNF and myostatin levels showed no significant difference. These results suggest that BDNF and myostatin are potential biomarkers of reduced muscle mass in kidney transplant recipients.

Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)Level may Predict the Functional Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Introduction:Due to the high prevalence, disability, and cost incurred by acute ischemic stroke, several parameters to predict the functional outcome of stroke have been developed. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein that plays an important role in neuroplasticity after a stroke attack. Lower BDNF level was associated with increased risk of developing stroke and poor prognostic functional outcome in stroke patients. Here, we measured serum BDNF levels in the acute and chronic phases of acute ischemic stroke patients to see whether the level was changing and affecting the functional outcome. Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted in the three largest governmental hospitals in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Acute ischemic stroke patients were consecutively recruited fromJune 2018 until July 2019. Serum BDNF level measurements using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and functional outcome assessments using Barthel Index (BI) were performed on the 5th and 30th days after stroke onset, representing the acute and chronic phases of stroke, respectively. Results: Sixty-eight patients completed the study and were categorized into dependent (n=22) and independent (n=46) groups according to BI score on the 30th day after stroke onset. The mean serum BDNF level in the acute phase of the independent group was significantly higher than the dependent group (27,152.28 vs 23,143.41; p=0.044). Similar results were also found in the measurement of serum BDNF levels in the chronic phase in which the mean serum BDNF level of the independent group was found to be significantly higher than the dependent group (27,526.48 vs 22,818.91; p=0.036). There were no significant changes in the measurement of serum BDNF level between the acute and chronic phases in both dependent and independent groups. Conclusions: Serum BDNF level, either in the acute or chronic phase of stroke onset, may predict the functional outcome of the acute ischemic stroke patients.

Finding prodromal frailty in a community-dwelling healthy older cohort by survey of BDNF or hand grip strength classified by BMI

Introduction : Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is involved in neurogenesis, phenotypic differentiation, and neuronal survival is gaining traction in the field of gerontology research as a relevant factor in cognition and vitality in the older population. Frailty which is losing body weight or lean body mass, experiencing fatigue and loss of strength or endurance, may easily fall and fracture bones, thus becoming hospitalized and bedridden. We studied a distribution of mean BDNF levels or hand grip strengths in the classified BMI, and found the lowest BMI class of thin category has significantly (p&lt;0.01) lower mean BDNF level or mean hand grip strength than in the normal or obese 1 category of BMI. Therefore we defined the lowest BMI category “thin” as “prodromal frailty”, but not pre-frailty. We will report the findings of “prodromal frailty” and discuss how to prevent this stage from advancing to frailty. Methods : We measured serum BDNF concentrations, BMI and various health parameters in 805 elderly (aged 65–84) regional health examination participants from the Tokyo area. Their serum BDNF levels and grip strengths were divided according to BMI classification. Results : The mean serum BDNF levels increased linearly according to BMI categorization from thin (&lt;18.4 kg/m 2 ) to obese2 (30–34.9 kg/m 2 ) and decreased in the obese3 group (35–39.9 kg/m 2 ). The mean serum BDNF level in the thin category was significantly lower than that in the normal category (p&lt;0.01). The BDNF levels in the obese1 and obese2 categories did not differ significantly from that in the normal category. Mean hand grip strength (kg) was also similarly distributed to the mean BDNF level distribution in the classified BMIs. Conclusions : Elderly people in the thin BMI category had significantly lower serum BDNF levels and weaker hand grip strength than those in the normal or slightly obese categories and the people in this category is so called “prodromal frailty” but not pre-frailty. Keywords: Frailty, body mass index, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, health examination, hand grip strength

Exploring the association between depression, suicidality and serum neurotrophin levels in adolescents

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify potential differences in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NTF3) levels in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls. The possible relationship between serum neurotrophin levels and suicidality in adolescents with MDD was also addressed.Methods: A total of 70 treatment-free adolescents with MDD and 40 healthy controls aged 11 to 19 years were enrolled. The severity of suicidality was determined using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms were evaluated by self-report inventories. Serum levels of neurotrophins were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The mean serum BDNF levels were significantly higher in adolescents with MDD than in control subjects; no significant difference was found between the groups for serum GDNF, NGF and NTF3 levels. No correlations were found between the levels of serum neurotrophins and the severity of depression or suicidality.Conclusions: The study results suggest that elevated serum BDNF levels may be related to MDD in adolescents. However, our findings did not support a role for neurotrophins in suicidality.Key pointsSerum BDNF levels were higher in adolescents with MDD than in controls.No significant alterations of serum levels of GDNF, NGF and NTF3 were evident in adolescents with MDD.Neurotrophin levels were not associated with suicidal ideation and behaviours.

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) serum levels in schizophrenic patients with cognitive deficits

Schizophrenia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with cognitive impairment as the main part. BDNF regulates aspects of developmental plasticity in the brain and is involved in cognitive function. Cognitive functions include capabilities such as attention, executive functioning, assessing, monitoring and evaluating. The aim of the study was to know the BDNF levels in schizophrenic patients with cognitive deficits. The study was held in October 2016 - March 2017, and was the first in Indonesia, especially in North Sumatra. The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of the University of North Sumatera. The study is descriptive based on a retrospective method with cross-sectional approach. The subject is 40 male schizophrenia. Cognitive deficits were assessed by MoCA-Ina. BDNF serum levels were analyzed using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. The average MoCA-Ina score is 21.03±5.21. This suggests that there is a cognitive function deficit in schizophrenic patients. The mean serum BDNF level was 26629±6762. MoCA-Ina scores in schizophrenic patients <26 who experienced a deficit of 77.5% and serum BDNF levels with normal values ranging from 6.186 to 42.580pg/ml.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in treatment-naïve boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treated with methylphenidate: an 8-week, observational pretest-posttest study.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important neurotrophin in the brain that modulates dopaminergic neurons. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in serum BDNF levels of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in response to OROS methylphenidate treatment. We also aimed to determine whether there were any pre-post-differences between ADHD subtypes and comorbid psychiatric disorders in serum BDNF levels. Fifty male children with ADHD and 50 male healthy controls within the age range of 6-12years were recruited to the study. The psychiatric diagnoses were determined by applying a structured interview with Kiddie schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children-present and lifetime version. The symptom severity of ADHD was measured using the Clinical Global Impression ADHD Severity Scale (CGI-S). Physicians completed Du Paul ADHD questionnaires. The levels of serum BDNF were assessed before and after 8weeks of treatment with effective dosages of OROS methylphenidate. In the present study, the mean serum BDNF levels of boys with ADHD and of the healthy controls were 2626.33±1528.05 and 2989.11±1420.08pg/mL, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant difference between the ADHD group and healthy controls at baseline (p=0.22), the increase of serum BDNF was statistically significant from baseline to endpoint in the ADHD group (p=0.04). The mean serum BDNF levels at baseline and endpoint of the ADHD group were 2626.33±1528.05 and 3255.80±1908.79pg/mL, respectively. The serum BDNF levels of ADHD-inattentive subtype were significantly lower at baseline (p=0.02), whereas BDNF levels post-treatment showed no significant difference. The increase of serum BDNF levels with methylphenidate treatment after 8weeks was significantly higher in the inattentive group (p=0.005). The increase of serum BDNF levels with methylphenidate treatment after 8weeks in boys with ADHD may support the potential role of BDNF in the pathophysiology of ADHD. The role of BDNF in ADHD subtypes in particular should be evaluated with further, larger studies.

Serum BDNF levels in patients with gambling disorder are associated with the severity of gambling disorder and Iowa Gambling Task indices.

Background and aimsGambling disorder (GD) shares many similarities with substance use disorders (SUDs) in clinical, neurobiological, and neurocognitive features, including decision-making. We evaluated the relationships among, GD, decision-making, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as measured by serum BDNF levels.MethodsTwenty-one male patients with GD and 21 healthy sex- and age-matched control subjects were evaluated for associations between serum BDNF levels and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), as well as between serum BDNF levels and Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) indices.ResultsThe mean serum BDNF levels were significantly increased in patients with GD compared to healthy controls. A significant correlation between serum BDNF levels and PGSI scores was found when controlling for age, depression, and duration of GD. A significant negative correlation was obtained between serum BDNF levels and IGT improvement scores.DiscussionThese findings support the hypothesis that serum BDNF levels constitute a dual biomarker for the neuroendocrine changes and the severity of GD in patients. Serum BDNF level may serve as an indicator of poor decision-making performance and learning processes in GD and help to identify the common physiological underpinnings between GD and SUDs.

Elevated Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) but not BDNF Gene Val66Met Polymorphism Is Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The aim of our study was to illuminate the potential role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We measured the circulating levels of BDNF in serum and BDNF gene (Val66Met) polymorphisms, in which two indicators were then compared between ASD and normal controls. A total of 82 drug-naïve ASD children and 82 age- and gender-matched normal controls were enrolled in the study. Their serum BDNF levels were detected by the ELISA. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism genotyping was conducted as according to the laboratory's standard protocol in laboratory. The ASD severity assessment was mainly determined by the score of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). ELISA assay showed that the mean serum BDNF level of children with ASD was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than that of the control cases (17.75 ± 5.43 vs. 11.49 ± 2.85ng/ml; t = 9.236). Besides, the serum BDNF levels and CARS scores (P < 0.0001) were positively related. And, the BDNF genotyping results showed that there was no difference between the ASD cases and the control. Among the children with ASD, the mean serum BDNF level of Met/Met group was lower than other groups. According to the ROC curve generated from our clinical data, the optimal cutoff value of serum BDNF levels, an indicator for diagnosis of ASD, was projected to be 12.50ng/ml. Thus, it yielded a corresponding sensitivity of 81.7% and the specificity of 66.9%. Accordingly, area value under the curve was 0.836 (95% CI, 0.774-0.897); the positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) were 70.1 and 79.1%, respectively. These results suggested that rather than Val66Met polymorphism, BDNF was more possible to impact the pathogenesis of ASD.

Serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in fibromyalgia

IntroductionFibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex clinical syndrome that primarily affects middle-aged women. Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by pain associated with sleep disturbances (nonrefreshing sleep, hypersomnolence), the presence of specific painful sites (tender points), and is often accompanied by fatigue and depression. It is believed to arise from the abnormal central sensory processing of pain signals, involving the interaction between neurotransmitters, external stressors, behavioral constructs, hormones, and the sympathetic nervous system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of neurotrophines, is the most prevalent growth factor in the central nervous system. It is essential for the development of the central nervous system and for neuronal plasticity. Because BDNF plays a crucial role in the development and plasticity of the brain, it is widely implicated in psychiatric diseases.Aim of the workThis study aimed to evaluate serum level of BDNF in FM patients and its relation with depression.Patients and methodsThirty patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome were enrolled into this study. These patients were subjected to clinical examination and assessment of depression using the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression. Serum BDNF levels were determined using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay. Twenty age-matched and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included as controls.ResultsThe mean serum BDNF level was age-dependent in healthy controls. FMS patients had higher level of serum BDNF compared with healthy controls. In addition, serum level of BDNF showed correlation with depression, but not with other disease manifestations. The mean serum level of BDNF increased with higher values of depression score in FM patients.ConclusionBDNF is involved in the pathophysiology of FMS. Moreover, it seems to be correlated with the intensity of depression symptoms in FMS patients.

Increased Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Multiple Sclerosis Patients on Interferon-β and Its Impact on Functional Abilities.

To investigate the potential role of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) used to treat multiple sclerosis on inducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production. A total of 82 patients entered the study. Sixty (73%) patients were on DMTs (15 on Avonex, 13 on Rebif, 27 on Betaferon, 3 on Mitoxantrone, and 2 on IVIg), whereas 22 received no DMTs. The degree of neurological impairment was recorded using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Serum BDNF levels were assessed using the Sandwich ELISA method. We compared mean serum BDNF levels among patient groups based on whether or not they were on DMTs, and the specific agent used. Then, the relationship between BDNF levels and EDSS scores was assessed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate a cutoff value by which serum BDNF could predict the degree of disability. The study sample had a mean age of 34.6 years, mean EDSS score of 3.8, and mean BDNF level of 198.9 pg/mL. Patients on interferon-β 1b therapy had significantly higher levels of BDNF compared with patients on Mitoxantrone or patients not on DMTs (237.6, 68.6, and 155.9, respectively; P=0.003). The degree of neurological impairment correlated negatively with BDNF levels (P<0.001). A cutoff value of 190 pg/mL was calculated for BDNF (ROC analysis, area under the curve: 0.729, P=0.002). At BDNF levels >190, the sensitivity for a milder degree of neurological impairment (EDSS<3) was 80%. This study showed a significant effect of interferon-β 1b therapy on increasing BDNF production in multiple sclerosis.

Increased serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autism spectrum disorder.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by measuring serum circulating levels of BDNF as well as calcium and comparing them with age-matched and sex-matched normal controls. The study included 75 drug-naive ASD children and 75 age-sex-matched healthy children. The concentration of serum BDNF was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method at baseline. Clinical information was collected. The severity of ASD was assessed at admission using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale total score. The results indicated that the mean serum BDNF levels were significantly (P<0.0001) higher in children with ASD compared with the control cases (17.59±5.55 vs. 11.21±2.79 ng/ml; t=8.902). On the basis of the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff value of serum BDNF levels as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of autism was projected to be 12.65 ng/ml, which yielded a sensitivity of 80.8% and a specificity of 70.2%; the area under the curve was 0.840 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.777-0.904]. In univariate logistic regression analysis, with an unadjusted odds ratio of 9.42 (95% CI, 4.33-25.95; P<0.0001), BDNF of 12.65 ng/ml or more had an association with a diagnosis of ASD. After adjusting for possible covariates, BDNF of 12.65 ng/ml or more is still an independent indicator of ASD, with an adjusted odds ratio of 7.33 (95% CI, 2.98-16.55; P<0.0001). Serum BDNF levels may be associated independently with the severity of ASD, and higher BDNF levels could be considered an independent diagnostic marker of ASD.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in relation to comorbid depression and cytokine levels in Nepalese men with alcohol-use disorders

Neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes are involved separately in major depression (MD) and alcohol-use disorders (AUD). Little is known about the nature of this relationship in the context of comorbid AUD and depression disorders. In this study, we determined brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels in patients with AUD and tested whether BDNF levels were related to history of major depression, recent depressive symptoms, AUD severity, and TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Nepalese male AUD inpatients (N = 152) abstinent from alcohol for an average of 34 days were administered structured interviews to assess depression symptoms and pattern and extent of alcohol use, and to generate research diagnoses for AUD and MD. AUD severity was assessed by scores on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Serum BDNF and cytokines were measured using ELISA and multiplex technology, respectively. Although serum BDNF levels were unrelated to MD history, patients with recent depressive symptoms (n = 42) had lower (mean ± SD) BDNF serum levels compared to those without (n = 110) (21.6 ± 8.1 ng/mL vs. 26.0 ± 9.6 ng/mL; p = 0.010), and patients with higher AUD severity and binge-drinking patterns had higher mean serum BDNF levels compared to lower AUD severity and non-binging (25.9 ± 9.7 ng/mL vs. 22.1 ± 8.7 ng/mL; p = 0.022 and 25.7 ± 9.3 vs. 21.8 ± 9.7 ng/mL; p = 0.029, respectively). Positive correlations were present between BDNF and TNF-α (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and IL-6 (r = 0.2, p = 0.027). In particular, TNF-α levels were predictive of BDNF levels after controlling for confounders (B = 0.3 [95% CI = 0.2–0.5], p < 0.001). These findings show that in alcohol-using populations, peripheral BDNF levels are related to severity of AUD as well as presence of depressive symptoms. The significant associations between inflammatory and neurotrophic factors may have implications for neuroadaptive changes during recovery from AUD.

SY26-3 * SERUM BDNF LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH GAMBLING DISORDER ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEVERITY OF GAMBLING DISORDER AND IOWA GAMBLING TASK INDICES

Background. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the pathophysiology and cognitive dysfunction of substance use disorders (SUDs). Gambling disorder (GD) shares many similarities with SUDs in clinical, neurobiological and neurocognitive features, including decision making. Methods. To evaluate the relationship among BDNF, GD and decision making, serum BDNF levels were assessed in 21 male patients with GD and 21 healthy sex- and age-matched control subjects. The severity of GD was measured with the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). We then investigated the association between serum BDNF levels and the severity of GD. Finally, we analyzed the association between the serum BDNF levels and Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) indices. Results. Mean serum BDNF levels were significantly increased in the patients with GD compared to healthy controls (p < .0001). We also found a significant correlation between serum BDNF levels and PGSI scores (r = .558, p = 0.02) when controlling for age, depression, and duration of GD. In terms of IGT indices, a negative correlation was identified between serum BDNF levels and IGT improvement scores (r = -.477, p < .05). Conclusions. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that serum BDNF levels may constitute a dual biomarker for the neuroendocrinological changes and the severity of GD in patients. Furthermore, serum BDNF level may be an indicator of poor decision-making performance, especially in terms of learning processes implicated in GD. With continued investigation, this line of research could expand our understanding of the common neurobiological underpinnings of SUDs and GD.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Quetiapine Treated First-Episode Psychosis

Objective. It has been suggested that atypical antipsychotics confer their effects via brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We investigated the effect of quetiapine on serum levels of BDNF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in drug-naive first-episode psychosis subjects. Methods. Fifteen patients drawn from a larger study received quetiapine treatment for twelve weeks. Baseline levels of serum BDNF and VEGF were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls and to levels following treatment. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship of BDNF and VEGF levels with outcome measures at baseline and week 12. Results. The mean serum BDNF level was significantly higher at week 12 compared to baseline and correlated with reductions in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and general psychopathology scores. Changes in serum VEGF levels also correlated significantly with a reduction in BPRS scores, a significant improvement in PANNS positive symptoms scores, and displayed a positive relationship with changes in BDNF levels. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that BDNF and VEGF are potential biomarkers for gauging improvement of psychotic symptoms. This suggests a novel neurotrophic-based mechanism of the drug effects of quetiapine on psychosis. This is the first report of VEGF perturbation in psychosis.

Neck cooling and cognitive performance following exercise-induced hyperthermia

To assess the efficacy of neck cooling on cognitive performance following exertional hyperthermia. Twelve healthy men completed two experimental trials [control (CON) and neck cooling collar (NCC)] in a counter-balanced design. They ran on a treadmill at 70% VO2peak under warm and humid conditions (dry bulb temperature: 30.2 ± 0.3 °C, relative humidity: 71 ± 2 %) for 75 min or until volitional exhaustion. Gastrointestinal, neck and skin temperatures, heart rate and subjective ratings were assessed. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured before and after each run. Cognitive performance comprising symbol digit matching, search and memory, digit span, choice reaction time and psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) were assessed before and after exercise. Mean gastrointestinal temperature was similar after exercise between trials (CON: 39.5 ± 0.4 °C vs. NCC: 39.6 ± 0.3 °C; p = 0.15). Mean neck temperature was lowered in NCC compared to CON after the run (36.4 ± 1.6 °C vs. NCC: 26.0 ± 0.3 °C; p < 0.001). Exercise-induced hyperthermia improved mean reaction time in the symbol digit matching test (-134 ± 154 ms; p < 0.05) and the PVT (-18 ± 30 ms; p < 0.05). Maximum span was increased in the digit span test (1 ± 2; p < 0.05). Application of NCC reduced the number of search errors made in level 3 of the search and memory test (p < 0.05). Mean serum BDNF levels were increased following exercise-induced hyperthermia in both trials (p < 0.05). Exercise-induced hyperthermia improves working memory and alertness. Neck cooling may only enhance performance in tasks of higher complexity.