Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations Research Articles

Aerobic exercise and nano-curcumin supplementation improve inflammation in elderly females with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundAging, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic syndrome are the main important factors in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level.AimThe aim of this research was to investigate the effect of 6-week aerobic exercise with moderate intensity and consumption of nano-curcumin on IL-6, IL-10 and BDNF in 60–65 year females with metabolic syndrome (MS).Materials and methodsForty-four women with metabolic syndrome (Mets) voluntarily took part in the present study. Participants were randomly divided into 4 groups of MetS exercise + Nano-Curcumin (MENC), MetS exercise (ME), MetS Nano-Curcumin (MNC), MetS control (MC). During the first week, MENC and ME groups participated in three sets of 10-min aerobic exercise training (AT) with a treadmill with 5-min rest parts between the sets. One minute was added to the duration of exercise sets weekly. Blood samples were collected before and after 6 weeks. IL-6, IL-10 and BDNF levels were measured by ELISA method. To analyze the data, Paired-samples t-test with the significance level of (P ≤ 0.05).ResultsIL-10 and BDNF concentrations significantly increased after a 6-week intervention (P ≤ 0.05). Also, IL-6 serum levels significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Besides, the results of the present study suggested that nano-curcumin supplementation significantly decreases serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), and hs-CRP in subjects with metabolic syndrome. In addition, the results of the present study suggested that nano-curcumin supplementation significantly increases serum concentrations of BDNF, IL-10, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in subjects with metabolic syndrome.ConclusionFindings show that both of the regular exercise and consumption of NanoCurcumin for 6 weeks reduce inflammation. Combination of these two leads to even more reduction of inflammation. The regular exercise led to a decrease at the fat percentage, which deceased IL-6 level and increased IL-10 level. So, this change led to increasing BDNF’s levels.Trial registration IRCT2017082335857N1 Registered 2017-11-16, https://en.irct.ir/trial/26971

Flaxseed oil supplementation on severity of depression and brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Emerging clinical studies suggest that flaxseed oil may be an effective intervention for the management of depression. The current trial was conducted to assess the effect of flaxseed oil supplementation on the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the psychological status of women with depression. Subjects of 60 depressed women aged 18–45 were randomly divided into two groups. One group was asked to consume a 1000 mg flaxseed oil capsule, twice a day for 10 weeks, while the other consumed a placebo. Serum (BDNF), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaire, and anthropometric indices were measured before and after intervention. This study showed that serum BDNF concentration in the supplementation group increased significantly after 10-week intervention, compared with placebo (1.12 ± 0.6 pg/ml vs. 0.2 ± 0.56 pg/ml; p < .0001). Total BDI-II score was significantly lower after flaxseed oil supplementation, compared with placebo (−16.62 ± 7.03, −8.45 ± 7.8; p < .0001). The present study showed that flaxseed oil supplementation can confer a number of health benefits in depressed women, including increased serum BDNF concentrations, along with improvements in depression status.

Safety and efficacy of extended release ketamine tablets in patients with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety: open label pilot study.

Background:Ketamine’s defining side effects are dissociation and increased blood pressure/heart rate. An oral formulation with delayed absorption could minimize these effects. We recently reported safety and tolerability data for an extended release ketamine tablet in healthy volunteers.Methods:To assess safety, tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of an extended release oral ketamine tablet in patients with treatment-resistant depression/anxiety. This was a multiple dose open-label flexible dose uncontrolled study in seven patients with treatment-resistant depression/anxiety, who had all previously demonstrated mood improvement to subcutaneous ketamine. Assessments included ratings of anxiety, depression and dissociation, safety and tolerability, and blood samples for ketamine pharmacokinetics and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations.Results:Improvements in anxiety and depression ratings occurred gradually over 96 h; all patients had >50% improvements in mood ratings. Ketamine was safe and well tolerated, with no changes in vital signs, and a single brief report of dissociation. Ketamine may induce its own metabolism, as the ratio of norketamine to ketamine increased out to 96 h. Serum BDNF concentrations did not change during the study.Conclusion:Ketamine’s safety/tolerability may be improved with an extended release oral formulation. Onset of mood improvement is slightly delayed compared with parenteral dosing. These data support the further development of extended release ketamine tablets for treatment of resistant depression and anxiety disorders.

Evaluation of serum platelet-derived growth factor receptor-ß and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in microvascular angina.

Objective:Microvascular angina (MVA) is a coronary microcirculation disease. Research on microcirculatory dysfunction has revealed several biomarkers involved in the etiopathogenesis of MVA. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are 2 biomarkers associated with microcirculation, particularly pericytes function. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PDGFR-β and BDNF in MVA.Methods:Ninety-one patients (median age, 56 y; age range, 40–79 y; 36 men) with MVA and 61 control group subjects (median age, 52 y; age range, 38–76 y; 29 men) were included in the study. Serum concentrations of PDGFR-β and BDNF were measured with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Results:PDGFR-β [2.82 ng/ml; interquartile range (IQR), 0.57–7.79 ng/ml vs. 2.27 ng/ml; IQR, 0.41–7.16 ng/ml; p<0.0005] and BDNF (2.41 ng/ml; IQR, 0.97–7.97 ng/ml vs. 1.92 ng/ml; IQR, 1.07–6.67 ng/ml; p=0.023) concentrations were significantly higher in patients with MVA compared with the controls. PDGFR-β correlated positively with age (r=0.26, p=0.001), low-density lipoprotein (r=0.18; p=0.02), and BDNF (r=0.47; p<0.001), and BDNF showed a significant positive correlation with age (r=0.20; p=0.01). In binary logistic regression analysis, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, uric acid, and PDGFR-β values were found to be independent predictors of MVA.Conclusion:MVA is associated with higher PDGFR-β and BDNF levels. This association may indicate an abnormality in microvascular function. Future studies are required to determine the role of these biomarkers in the pathogenesis of MVA. (Anatol J Cardiol 2020; 24: 397-404)

Association between reduced serum BDNF levels and insomnia with short sleep duration among female hospital nurses

ObjectivePrevious studies have suggested that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with sleep regulation in humans. However, its relationship with self-reported sleep problems has not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between serum BDNF levels and sleep problems among hospital nurses. MethodsParticipants were enrolled from among nurses working at a general hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Data from 577 women (age: 35.45 ± 10.90 years) were analyzed. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2015. Serum BDNF concentrations were evaluated. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire on sleep including the presence or absence of insomnia symptoms (ie, difficulty initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS), and early morning awakening [EMA]), and sleep duration. Insomnia with short sleep duration (ISS) was defined as: DIS, or DMS, or EMA; and <6 h sleep duration. ResultsAmong 577 participants, 21.3% reported insomnia, 41.4% slept less than 6 h, and finally 12.5% suffered from ISS. Serum BDNF levels were significantly lower in subjects with ISS than in those without ISS. The serum BDNF levels in insomniacs were significantly lower than in non-insomniacs for short sleep duration (<6 h), while serum BDNF levels did not differ between insomniacs and non-insomniacs for normal sleep duration (≥6 h). ConclusionThis is the first documented study to indicate that ISS is associated with reduced serum BDNF levels. These results may lead to clarification of the underlying pathophysiological relationship between BDNF and poor sleep.

Are serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations related to brain structure and psychopathology in late childhood and early adolescence?

Mental disorders can have a major impact on brain development. Peripheral blood concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are lower in adult psychiatric disorders. Serum BDNF concentrations and BDNF genotype have been associated with cortical maturation in children and adolescents. In 2 large independent samples, this study tests associations between serum BDNF concentrations, brain structure, and psychopathology, and the effects of BDNF genotype on BDNF serum concentrations in late childhood and early adolescence. Children and adolescents (7-14 years old) from 2 cities (n=267 in Porto Alegre; n=273 in São Paulo) were evaluated as part of the Brazilian high-risk cohort (HRC) study. Serum BDNF concentrations were quantified by sandwich ELISA. Genotyping was conducted from blood or saliva samples using the SNParray Infinium HumanCore Array BeadChip. Subcortical volumes and cortical thickness were quantified using FreeSurfer. The Development and Well-Being Behavior Assessment was used to identify the presence of a psychiatric disorder. Serum BDNF concentrations were not associated with subcortical volumes or with cortical thickness. Serum BDNF concentration did not differ between participants with and without mental disorders, or between Val homozygotes and Met carriers. No evidence was found to support serum BDNF concentrations as a useful marker of developmental differences in brain and behavior in early life. Negative findings were replicated in 2 of the largest independent samples investigated to date.

Acute normobaric hypoxia does not affect the simultaneous exercise-induced increase in circulating BDNF and GDNF in young healthy men: A feasibility study.

Physical exercise has a neuromodulatory effect on the central nervous system (CNS) partially by modifying expression of neuropeptides produced and secreted by neurons and glial cells, among which the best examined are brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Because both neurotrophins can cross the brain-blood barrier (BBB), their blood levels indirectly reflect their production in the CNS. Moreover, both neuropeptides are involved in modulation of dopaminergic and serotoninergic system function. Because limited information is available on the effects of exercise to volition exhaustion and acute hypoxia on CNS, BDNF and GDNF formation, the aims of the present study were to verify whether 1) acute exercise to exhaustion in addition to neurons also activates glial cells and 2) additional exposure to acute normobaric moderate hypoxia affects their function. In this feasibility study we measured blood concentrations of BDNF, GDNF, and neuropeptides considered as biomarkers of brain damage (bFGF, NGF, S100B, GFAP) in seven sedentary healthy young men who performed a graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion on a cycle ergometer under normoxic (N) and hypoxic conditions: 2,000 m (H2; FiO2 = 16.6%) and 3,000 m altitude (H3; FiO2 = 14.7%). In all conditions serum concentrations of both BDNF and GDNF increased immediately after cessation of exercise (p<0.01). There was no effect of condition or interaction (condition x time of measurement) and exercise on any of the brain damage biomarkers: bFGF, NGF, S100B, GFAP. Moreover, in N (0<0.01) and H3 (p<0.05) exercise caused elevated serum 5-HT concentration. The results suggest that a graded effort to volitional exhaustion in normoxia, as well as hypoxia, simultaneously activates both neurons and astrocytes. Considering that s100B, GFAP, bFGF, and NGF (produced mainly by astrocytes) are markers of brain damage, it can be assumed that a maximum effort in both conditions is safe for the CNS.

Sex-Specific Associations of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the General Population.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was initially considered to be neuron-specific. Meanwhile, this neurotrophin is peripherally also secreted by skeletal muscle cells and increases due to exercise. Whether BDNF is related to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is currently unclear. We analyzed the association of serum BDNF levels with CRF in the general population (Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND) from Northeast Germany; n = 1607, 51% female; median age 48 years). Sex-stratified linear regression models adjusted for age, height, smoking, body fat, lean mass, physical activity, and depression analyzed the association between BDNF and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak), maximal oxygen consumption normalized for body weight (VO2peak/kg), and oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold (VO2@AT). In women, 1 mL/min higher VO2peak, VO2peak/kg, and VO2@AT were associated with a 2.43 pg/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16 to 3.69 pg/mL; p = 0.0002), 150.66 pg/mL (95% CI: 63.42 to 237.90 pg/mL; p = 0.0007), and 2.68 pg/mL (95% CI: 0.5 to 4.8 pg/mL; p = 0.01) higher BDNF serum concentration, respectively. No significant associations were found in men. Further research is needed to understand the sex-specific association between CRF and BDNF.

Improving Sleep in Intensive Care Unit: An Overview of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options.

Good quality sleep is considered to be essential for healthy living and recovering from illness. It would be logical to think that good quality sleep is most required when a patient is critically ill in an intensive care unit (ICU). Several studies have demonstrated poor quality of sleep while the patients are in ICU. Subjective tools such as questionnaires while simple are unreliable to accurately assess sleep quality. Relatively few studies have used standardized polysomnography. The use of novel biological markers of sleep such as serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations may help in conjunction with polysomnography to assess sleep quality in critically ill patients. Attempts to improve sleep included nonpharmacological interventions including the use of earplugs, eye sleep masks, and pharmacological agents including ketamine, propofol, dexmedetomidine, and benzodiazepines. The evidence for these interventions remains unclear. Further research is needed to assess quality of sleep and improve the sleep quality in intensive care settings.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation reduces hypothalamic grey matter volume loss in individuals with preclinical Huntington's disease: A nine-month pilot study

BackgroundHypothalamic pathology is a well-documented feature of Huntington's disease (HD) and is believed to contribute to circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances. Currently, no therapies exist to combat hypothalamic changes, nor circadian rhythm and habitual sleep disturbances in HD. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of multidisciplinary rehabilitation on hypothalamic volume, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), circadian rhythm and habitual sleep in individuals with preclinical HD. MethodsEighteen individuals with HD (ten premanifest and eight prodromal) undertook a nine-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation intervention (intervention group), which included exercise, cognitive and dual task training and social events, and were compared to a community sample of eleven individuals with premanifest HD receiving no intervention (control group). Hypothalamic volume, serum BDNF, salivary cortisol and melatonin concentrations, subjective sleep quality, daytime somnolence, habitual sleep-wake patterns, stress and anxiety and depression symptomatology were evaluated. ResultsHypothalamus grey matter volume loss was significantly attenuated in the intervention group compared to the control group after controlling for age, gender, Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale-Total Motor Score and number of cytosine-adenine-guanine repeats. Serum BDNF levels were maintained in the intervention group, but decreased in the control group following the study period. Both groups exhibited decreases in cortisol and melatonin concentrations. No changes were observed in sleep or mood outcomes. ConclusionsThis exploratory study provides evidence that multidisciplinary rehabilitation can reduce hypothalamic volume loss and maintain peripheral BDNF levels in individuals with preclinical HD but may not impact on circadian rhythm. Larger, randomised controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.

Role of lifestyle intervention programme in regulating brain derived neurotrophic factor in obese children with metabolic syndrome components

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin probably concerned in the pathophysiology of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) in adults. The aim was to explore serum BDNF relationship with metabolic syndrome components before and after one-year of the lifestyle intervention program in obese children. Forty obese children and forty age and gender-matched lean controls were studied. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum BDNF, before and after one year of diet control and physical activity were measured. At baseline, fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides were significantly higher in obese children relative to controls (P=0.00). Serum BDNF concentration was significantly lower in obese children than in lean controls (P=0.00), and its mean concentration of the subjects with MS was significantly lower than those without MS, and control group (P&lt; 0.001). Linear regression analysis suggested that high waist: hip ratio, body adiposity index, fat percentage, diastolic BP, fasting blood glucose, LDL and HOMA-IR are good predictors for decreased serum BDNF concentration in obese children. After one-year intervention program, the obese group showed a significant increase in serum BDNF, and HDL, paralleled by a significant decline in fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides as compared to the baseline (P =0.00). Serum BDNF was lower in obese children than in lean controls, and seemed to be linked with the metabolic syndrome components. One-year lifestyle intervention program succeeded to enhance BDNF serum concentration in these children.

Uremic pruritus and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in diabetic and non-diabetic haemodialysis patients.

IntroductionEven though uremic pruritus (UP) is very troublesome for haemodialysis (HD) patients, its underlying mechanism is not fully understood.AimDue to the possible role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its higher serum concentration in haemodialysis diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic ones, this study is aimed to evaluate its association with UP among diabetic and non-diabetic patients on maintenance HD.Material and methodsA total of 94 patients were enrolled into the study. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pruritus.ResultsNo differences were found between the observed study groups in terms of BDNF serum concentration, other biochemical markers, sleep disturbances, or pruritus presentation.ConclusionsBDNF serum concentration was not found to be associated with UP among HD patients, however further studies are worth performing on a larger group of individuals.

Does metabolic status affect serum levels of BDNF and MMP-9 in patients with schizophrenia?

The purpose of the article: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are involved in the processes of neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Growing number of studies shows a relationship between BDNF or MMP-9 and schizophrenia. Also, BDNF and MMP-9 levels may be affected by metabolic parameters, such as obesity or dyslipidemia. Our hypothesis is that alterations of BDNF or MMP-9 levels in schizophrenia might be secondary to metabolic abnormalities, often found among schizophrenia patients. Materials and methods: We have compared BDNF and MMP-9 between patients with schizophrenia (n = 64, age 49 ± 8.2 y) and healthy controls (n = 32, age 51 ± 8.9 y) in the context of cardio-metabolic parameters. Serum levels of BDNF and MMP-9 were measured using ELISA test, body composition parameters were determined using bioelectric impedance analysis. Results and conclusions: Our results showed significantly lowered serum BDNF concentration in the schizophrenia group (schizophrenia: 23.8 ± 7.83 ng/mL, control: 27.69 ± 8.11 ng/mL, p = 0.03). Serum MMP-9 concentration in schizophrenia group did not differ compared with the control group (schizophrenia: 456.8 ± 278.4 ng/mL, control: 341.5 ± 162.4 ng/mL, p = 0.07). After adjusting for age, all anthropometric parameters, body composition and laboratory tests BDNF were still significantly lower in the schizophrenia group. However, MMP-9 became significantly elevated in the schizophrenia group after adjusting for several anthropometric and body composition covariates. Our results confirmed reduced serum BDNF concentration in patients with schizophrenia. Also, this reduction seems to be independent of metabolic abnormalities. On the other hand, our hypothesis that MMP-9 level in schizophrenia is altered due to metabolic abnormalities might be true.

Renal response to tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in BDNF heterozygous mice.

The protective effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in neuronal tissue and endometrial cells have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether endogenously produced BDNF protects the kidneys against tunicamycin-induced (Tm) ER stress. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor heterozygous knockout mice (BDNF(+/-)) and their wild-type (WT) littermates were used. The animals were divided into 4 groups: WT, BDNF(+/-), WT+Tm, and BDNF(+/-)+Tm (n = 7 in each group). After 3 days of saline or Tm injection (0.5 mg/kg; intraperitoneally (i.p.)), renal BDNF, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and caspase-12 levels as well as serum BDNF concentration were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the kidney sections, hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining, GADD153 immunostaining and TUNEL staining were performed. Serum creatinine levels were measured as an indicator of renal function. Circulating and tissue BDNF levels were significantly lower in the BDNF(+/-) and BDNF(+/-)+Tm groups. Renal levels of GRP78 and caspase-12, apoptotic index, and GADD153 staining were significantly higher in the WT+Tm and BDNF(+/-)+Tm groups. However, apoptosis was more pronounced in the BDNF(+/-)+Tm group than in the WT+Tm group (p < 0.01). Similarly, GADD153 staining was more pronounced in the BDNF(+/-)+Tm group than in the WT+Tm group (p < 0.05). Tm caused a mild deterioration in the kidney tissue of the WT+Tm group, while general deterioration, pyknotic nuclei and swollen cells were observed in the BDNF(+/-)+Tm group. Serum creatinine concentrations were significantly higher in the WT+Tm (p < 0.05) and BDNF(+/-)+Tm (p < 0.05) groups. This study showed that endogenous BDNF may play a protective role in kidneys against ER stress-induced apoptosis via the suppression of GADD153. As a result, BDNF and related signaling pathways could be considered for therapeutic/protective approaches in kidney disorders.

Short-term high-Intensity interval training increases systemic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in healthy women

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increases neuronal viability and cognitive function, peripheral lipid metabolism and skeletal muscle repair. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum BDNF concentrations in healthy young women. Methods: Seventeen women (age:22 ± 1 years); body mass index (BMI:24.2 ± 2.2 kg/m²), body fat percentage (% fat:25.8 ± 4.7) participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to a control (n = 8) or HIIT group (n = 9). All participants performed a graded exercise test (GXT) on an electronically-braked cycle ergometer to determine maximal aerobic power (MAP, Watts). HIIT was performed three days per week for four weeks. Each HIIT session consisted of three to five cycling bouts of 30 s each at 80% MAP, followed by four-minutes of recovery at 40% MAP. Forty-eight hours after the last bout of exercise, both groups performed a follow-up GXT. Non-fasting blood samples were collected before and immediately after each GXT. Mixed factorial (2 groups x 4 measures, and 2 groups x 2 measures) ANOVA was used to assess BDNF concentrations, performance and anthropometric variables. Results: Serum BDNF concentrations in the HIIT group (21.9 ± 1.3 ng/mL) increased compared to control (19.2 ± 2.8 ng/mL) (∼12%, P < 0.05) following HIIT. In contrast, circulating BDNF concentrations were reduced following the GXT (P < 0.05). The MAP and % Fat did not change with HIIT. Conclusions: Twelve sessions of HIIT increases circulating BDNF concentrations in healthy young women despite no change in physical performance or % fat.

The effect of interferon-β therapy on brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum concentration in relapsing— remitting multiple sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Beta interferon (IFN-β) is known as the first-line therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Recent studies have shown different effects of IFN-β on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels. Given the known role of BDNF in the restoration and conservation of the nervous system, this study was designed to investigate the possible effect of this drug through stimulating BDNF production. Objectives: Impressible treatments for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) are still being sought. Individual response to existing treatments for MS varies significantly among patients while the risk of serious adverse events remains an issue, especially for the novel drugs. Patients and Methods: In this clinical trial, 96 patients newly diagnosed with RRMS were studied within three months, in 3 groups of 32 subjects. Each group received one of the foregoing drugs (Avonex, Rebif and Betaferon). BDNF levels were compared between different groups at the end. Results: BDNF serum concentration in all groups was significantly different (P&lt;0.001) compared to baseline after 3 months. And comparison between groups showed a significant difference between the groups receiving Betaferon (IFN-β1b) (P=0.001) and Rebif (P=0.002) compared to the other groups. Avonex compared with either control or Betaferon (IFN-β1b) and Rebif groups showed no significant difference. Also the correlation between the mean changes in expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and BDNF was not observed (r = -0.189, P=0.065). Conclusions: Significant difference in BDNF levels were observed between groups.

Acute high-intensity aerobic exercise affects brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mild cognitive impairment: a randomised controlled study

ObjectiveTo investigate the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cognitive response to a short bout of high-intensity aerobic exercise in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsParticipants were randomised to one...

Acute Effects of Mental Activity on Response of Serum BDNF and IGF-1 Levels in Elite and Novice Chess Players.

Background and Objectives: Although the effects of physical exercise on brain functions are well studied, the influence of mental activity is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a session of mental activity on brain neurobiological factors in chess players. Materials and Methods: Ten elite and novice chess players were recruited to participate in this study as volunteers. The subjects performed a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity. Before and after each chess match, blood samples were drawn to analyze changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Results: After each chess match, both the elite and novice groups showed significant increases in serum BDNF and IGF-1 concentrations. The elite group also showed significantly greater changes in BDNF and IGF-1 levels (p ≤ 0.05) than the novice group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a session of standard chess matches as a mental activity is effective for elevating BDNF and IGF-1 levels, and that their elevation in elite players seems to be more pronounced than those in novice players.

BDNF and serum S100B levels according the spectrum of structural pathology in chronic pain patients

Central sensitivity syndrome (CSS) consists of adaptive pathophysiological changes associated with neuroplasticity in some chronic pain disorders. It could be grouped in two main conceptual conditions: one includes those chronic pain patients without overt structural pathology such as fibromyalgia, and the other subgroup includes conditions with recognizable structural abnormalities, both somatic (osteoarthritis) and visceral (endometriosis). In order to understand the role of neuromodulators in CCS we aim to determine whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100B are associated to specific chronic pain disorders. Serum BDNF and S100B were measured in chronic pain women with different diagnosis: 88 with osteoarthritis, 36 with endometriosis, 117 with fibromyalgia, 33 with chronic tension type headache and in 41 healthy controls. ANCOVA analysis followed by heteroscedasticity-consistent covariance matrix was performed to evaluate BDNF and S100B levels, adjusted for depression severity, pain levels and use of analgesics according different pathologies. Serum BDNF concentrations were higher and not different in patients with fibromyalgia and headache, the CSS group without structural pathology. In contrast, the concentrations of S100B were higher in patients with osteoarthritis and endometriosis, in comparison to controls, fibromyalgia and tensional headache patients. This study supports the hypothesis that BDNF and S100B neuromodulators present different serum levels according to the background disease associated to the chronic pain. These have the potential to be studied as markers of active disease or treatment evolution.

An investigation into the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness, cognition and BDNF in young healthy males

Background: Recent investigations demonstrate that cardiorespiratory fitness may benefit brain health and plasticity with concurrent enhancements in cognitive performance; possibly via a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-regulated mechanism. While a number of studies have demonstrated an increase in BDNF concentration post exercise the relationship between BDNF, cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive function requires further investigation.Objective: The present cross-sectional study assessed the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), cognitive performance and circulating BDNF concentration.Methods: Thirty-nine healthy male volunteers (mean age 21.7 ± 0.5 years) participated. Cognitive performance was measured by reaction time on a standard detection task and accuracy in a n-back and Continuous Paired Associative Learning (CPAL) task. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using a standardised graded exercise test. Plasma and serum BDNF concentrations were assayed by ELISA.Results: A significant negative correlation between VO2max and reaction time was demonstrated (p < 0.05). However VO2max was not associated with circulating BDNF concentration, or performance in the n-back and CPAL tasks (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Enhanced psychomotor speed was associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness. In contrast to previous research no significant association between cardiorespiratory fitness and BDNF concentration was observed.