Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations Research Articles

Long-term effects of an egg-protein hydrolysate on cognitive performance and brain vascular function: a double-blind randomized controlled trial in adults with elevated subjective cognitive failures.

Short-term intake of the egg-protein hydrolysate Newtricious (NWT)-03 improved executive function, but underlying mechanisms and long-term effects, including other cognitive domains, are unknown. A 36-week randomized controlled trial involving 44 overweight/obese individuals experiencing elevated Subjective Cognitive Failures (SCF; aged 60-75years) assessed the impact of daily consumption of 5.7g of NWT-03 or placebo powders on cognitive performance (psychomotor speed, executive function, memory) and Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF), a marker of brain vascular function. Cognitive performance was evaluated using a neurophysiological test battery (CANTAB) and CBF was measured using magnetic resonance imaging perfusion method Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL). Serum samples were collected to determine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. Anthropometrics, and energy and nutrient intakes remained stable throughout the trial. NWT-03 was well tolerated, and compliance was excellent (median: 99%; range: 87-103%). No overall intervention effects were observed on cognitive performance or CBF, but post-hoc analyses revealed significant improvements on executive function in women, but not men. Specifically, a reduction of 74ms in reaction latency on the multitasking task (95% CI: -134 to -15; p = 0.02), a reduction of 9 between errors (95%CI: -14 to -3; p < 0.001), and a reduction of 9 total errors (95%CI: -15 to -3; p < 0.001) on the spatial working memory task were found in women. No intervention effects were observed on serum BDNF concentrations (p = 0.31). Long-term consumption of NWT-03 improved multitasking abilities and working memory in women with elevated SCF. Brain vascular function remained unaffected. Sex differences in executive function require additional clarification.

Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic medication on peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important regulatory protein in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have reported the relationship between peripheral BDNF concentrations and the use of psychoactive drugs. However, the results remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of psychoactive drugs on BDNF concentrations and to explore the association between changes in BDNF concentrations and improvements in clinical scores. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Science Direct, were searched. Changes in BDNF concentrations were compared before and after psychoactive treatment, using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI). Twenty-three studies were included. A significant increase in serum BDNF concentrations was observed after treatment with antipsychotics (SMD=0.43; 95 %CI: 0.26, 0.60) and antidepressants (SMD=0.49; 95 %CI: 0.23, 0.74). However, the plasma BDNF concentration was not affected by antidepressant and antipsychotic medication. Although an improvement in clinical scores was observed after treatment, no significant association was observed between changes in BDNF concentrations and the changes in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores. In conclusion, antidepressants and antipsychotics increase serum BDNF concentrations.

Short-term Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation improves cognitive performance: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy young adults.

Evidence on the potential beneficial effects of anthocyanin-rich foods and supplements on cognitive performance is mainly based on acute or long-term studies in older adults. However, short-term studies focusing on a younger population are lacking. Therefore, short-term effects of Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) supplementation on cognitive performance were investigated in healthy young adults. Potential underlying mechanisms were also addressed. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study was performed involving 35 apparently healthy young adults. Participants consumed AME (180mg anthocyanins/day) or a placebo for 1week, separated by at least 2weeks of wash-out. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Furthermore, arterial stiffness (carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity), retinal microvascular calibers (fundus photography), and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations were measured at baseline and after 1week. Participants had a mean age of 25 ± 4years and an average BMI of 23.4 ± 2.7kg/m2. Compliance was excellent and the study product was well-tolerated. As compared to placebo, movement time was significantly reduced by 4.8% within the five-choice reaction time test after 1week of AME supplementation (intervention effect: -12ms; p < 0.05). Memory and executive function did however not change. Serum BDNF concentrations were significantly higher after AME supplementation as compared to placebo (+ 5.7%; intervention effect: 1.8ng/mL; p < 0.05). However, arterial stiffness and retinal microvascular calibers were not affected. Short-term AME supplementation beneficially affected cognitive performance as attention and psychomotor speed improved. Serum BDNF concentrations were increased, but vascular function markers were not affected. The study was registered on Clinical Trials under NCT03793777 on January 4th, 2019.

Relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mild to moderate cognitive impairment in the older Mexican population

BackgroundMild–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. ObjectiveTo compare the serum levels of BDNF in healthy adult patients and those with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Materials and methodsA casecontrol 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, a one-way analysis of variance was used. The significance level of p<.05. ResultsThe 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=.001). ConclusionsThere is an association between decreased BDNF levels and mild and moderate cognitive impairment in our study population.

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.

Peripheral Levels of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Among its functions, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates endothelial and macrophage activation, possibly playing a role in atherosclerotic plaque pathophysiology. Given contradicting reports, this study sought to investigate whether blood levels of BDNF differed between patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and controls. We explored PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies comparing BDNF blood levels in patients with CHD and controls. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of included articles, and statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.0.4. The final analysis comprised 12 investigations covering 1422 CHD cases and 929 controls with mean ages of 59.66±13.56 and 53.78±13.61 years, respectively. The initial analyses revealed a tendency toward low levels of BDNF in the CHD group compared with the control group (SMD= -0.41; 95% CI, -1.12 to 0.30; P=0.26). After the removal of outliers, the difference achieved statistical difference (SMD= -0.56; 95% CI, -0.93 to -0.19; P<0.01). Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant difference between serum and plasma BDNF levels (P=0.54); however, subgroup analyses of studies investigating plasma BDNF showed that patients with CHD had significantly lower BDNF levels. Serum and plasma BDNF concentrations were considerably lower in patients with CHD than in healthy controls. Further studies of higher quality are required on the potential role of BDNF as a biomarker of CHD pathophysiology and severity.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration is different between autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability children and adolescents

PurposeRecent studies showed that mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Whether their levels are different between ASD and intellectual disability (ID) subjects is not clear. The aim of this study is to compare the serum mBDNF and proBDNF concentration, and mBNDF/proBDNF ratio in ASD and ID volunteers. MethodsChildren and adolescents with ASD or ID between the ages of 4 and 22 were recruited in Tianjin, China. Serum mBDNF and proBDNF level were tested and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) evaluations were conducted. ResultsSerum mBDNF concentration and the ratio of mBDNF to proBDNF was higher in ASD subjects than that in ID subjects (P = 0.035 and P < 0.001, respectively), while serum proBDNF of ASD participants was lower compared to that of ID participants (P < 0.001). CARS score was positively correlated with serum mBDNF level (r = 0.33, P = 0.004) and m/p ratio (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with serum proBDNF level (r = −0.39, <0.001) after adjusting for age and IQ. The AUC of mBDNF, proBDNF, and m/p ratio were 0.741, 0.790, and 0.854, respectively, after adjusted for age and IQ. ConclusionSerum mBDNF, proBDNF and m/p ratio were different between ASD and ID group. The three biomarkers displayed good diagnostic values for classification of ASD and ID subjects.

Daily cannabidiol and L-theanine beverage consumption does not alter anxiety, fatigue, cognitive function, or natural killer cell function: A randomized, controlled trial in healthy, young adults

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotropic Cannabis sativa derivative, and L-theanine, a green tea derivative, are gaining attention as potential promotors of psychological and cognitive health. The purpose of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was to determine whether eight-week, daily consumption of beverages containing CBD, along with L-theanine, would improve psychological health, cognitive function, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as well as innate immune cell quantity and function in young, healthy adults. A total of 102 healthy participants were randomly assigned to, and successfully completed, 8 weeks of one of four treatment arms: 1) 60 mg CBD plus L-theanine (CB60; n = 25); 2) 30 mg CBD plus L-theanine (CB30; n = 28); 3) vehicle containing only L-theanine (LTV; n = 24); and 4) a calorie-matched placebo (PLAC; n = 25). After 8 weeks, plasma cannabinoid metabolite concentrations were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in CB60 and CB30 groups. There were no significant changes in anxiety, fatigue, and cognition, or serum BDNF concentrations as a result of the intervention and no treatment-related changes in natural killer (NK) and NKT cell populations or function. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05189275).

Influence of rehabilitation with the use of sulphide and hydrogen sulphide baths on the concentration of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and selected parameters of cognitive, executive and affect functions in multiple sclerosis patients

Aim: To compare the blood serum BDNF concentration in MS patients before and after a standard three-week rehabilitation offered by the NHF. The study compared the expected growth of the BDNF concentration in a group of patients rehabilitated with the help of standard kinesiotherapy and a group of patients rehabilitated with kinesiotherapy plus sulphide and hydro sulphide baths as well as the results of the assessment of the cognitive and executive functions of MS patients in the two groups. Materials and methods: Participants in the study were divided into 3 groups of 20 people each. Group 1. MS patients rehabilitated for 3 weeks in the Day Ward of the Rehabilitation Clinic – standard kinesiotherapy. Group 2. MS patients rehabilitated for 3 weeks in the Day Ward of the Rehabilitation Clinic – kinesiotherapy with sulphide baths. Group 3. Healthy volunteers – occasional BDNF determination. In the group of MS patients the BDNF concentration was determined prior to and after the rehabilitation. Group 3 was monitored for BDNF levels initially lower than in MS patients. Results: Rehabilitation of MS patients with kinesiotherapy and sulphide baths causes a statistically higher growth of BDNF concentration than rehabilitation alone in this group of patients (p&lt;0.001). Results of neuropsychological tests of MS patients rehabilitated with kinesiotherapy and balneotherapy elements are statistically better than of patients rehabilitated with kinesiotherapy (p&lt;0.033). Conclusions: Research findings show that sulphide and hydro sulphuric baths seem to be a valuable supplement to MS patients’ rehabilitation.

The molar ratio between PAI‐1 and BDNF is increased in Alzheimer’s disease patients with full dementia and negatively correlates with MMSE score

AbstractBackgroundIn a previous study, we demonstrated that the enzyme plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), which inhibits plasmin synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS), is increased in the serum of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition to reducing the accumulation of Ab, plasmin in the CNS regulates the synthesis of the trophic factor brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which appears to be altered in the brain of patients with AD. We investigated whether BDNF serum levels in AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients are altered compared to cognitively healthy controls. Moreover, we examined the PAI‐1/BDNF ratio in these patient groups and correlated with cognitive scores as measured by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE).Method40 AD, 40 aMCI and 10 healthy controls were recruited. Venous blood was collected and BDNF serum concentration were quantified by sandwich ELISAs. Comparisons among the experimental groups (AD dementia, aMCI patients, and cognitively healthy controls) on BDNF serum levels were performed using univariate analyses of variance (ANOVA). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to explore relationships between biochemical and clinical data. The level of statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05.ResultThe results showed that BDNF serum levels are decreased in AD as compared to aMCI patients (p &lt; .05). In addition, there was a positive correlation between PAI‐1 and BDNF serum levels (r = .190, p &lt; .05). Furthermore, PAI‐1/BDNF ratio was significantly increased in AD patients as compared to aMCI (p &lt; .001) and controls (p &lt; .001). Lastly, PAI‐1/BDNF ratio negatively correlated with MMSE score (r = ‐.508, p &lt; .001).ConclusionThese data suggest that in AD a reduction of plasmin caused by PAI‐1 may negatively affect the production of BDNF and promote disease progression. Our results also demonstrate that the PAI‐1/BDNF ratio is increased in AD patients compared with aMCI and controls. They also suggest that this ratio could be used as a marker of AD in a state of overt cognitive impairment, as supported by the strong negative correlation between PAI‐1/BDNF ratio and MMSE.

Elevated Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels During Depressive Mixed States.

Neurotrophin-like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and pro-inflammatory cytokines may modulate the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Although several studies show alterations in these biomarkers during the depressive, manic, and euthymic states of mood disorders, evidence is lacking for those in a mixed state. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the depressive mixed state (DMX) and peripheral neurobiological factors. We enrolled 136 patients with major depressive episodes. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report Japanese version (QIDS-SR-J). The severity of DMX was assessed using the self-administered 12-item questionnaire (DMX-12). Categorical screening as DMX-positive (n=54) was determined by a cutoff score of 13 or more in the specific eight symptoms from the DMX-12; the remaining were DMX-negative (n=82). Serum BDNF, tumor necrosis factor-α, highsensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 levels were measured. When comparing biomarkers between the DMX-positive and DMX-negative groups, higher serum BDNF concentration in the DMX-positive group than in the DMX-negative group was the only significant finding (p=0.009). A positive correlation existed between the total score of the eight specific symptoms of DMX-12 and the BDNF concentration (r=0.190, p=0.027). After adjustment for confounders, logistic regression analysis revealed that BDNF (odds ratio [OR]=1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.00-1.14, p=0.045), bipolar diagnosis (OR=3.43, 95% CI=1.36-8.66, p=0.009), and total QIDS-SR-J score (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.15-1.43, p<0.001) were significantly associated with DMX positivity. BDNF was positively associated with DMX severity, suggesting that higher BDNF concentrations may be involved in the pathophysiology of DMX.

Interplay between stress, sleep, and BDNF in a high-risk sample of young adults

Children in institutional care have a high risk to experience childhood adversities (CAs), with consequences for physical and mental well-being. The long-term effects of CAs on the brain, including consequences for neuronal plasticity and sleep, are poorly understood. This study examined the interplay between stress (including CAs), sleep, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a prominent marker for neuronal plasticity. Participants (N = 131, mean age = 26.3±3.4 years, 40 females) with residential youth-care history completed questionnaires measuring CAs (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ), psychological well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, WHO-5), and sleep disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, PSQI). Hair cortisol and serum BDNF concentration were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The analyses were conducted by using bootstrap regression models. There was no association of stress parameters or sleep with BDNF concentration. However, we found a significant association of CAs and well-being with sleep disturbances. Last, we found an association between CAs and BDNF in sleep-healthy but not sleep-disturbed participants. Our findings indicated a role of sleep disturbance in the association between stress and BDNF. Still, further studies are warranted using vulnerable groups at-risk to understand long-term effects on mental health and sleep.

Neurotrophin-4 and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels in Renal Transplant Recipients with Chronic Pruritus.

Chronic pruritus (CP) is a common symptom defined as a sensation that provokes the desire to scratch and which lasts for at least 6weeks. CP remains a problem for up to 21.3% of renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Our research aimed to establish the possible association between serum levels of neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the presence and intensity of CP in RTR. The study was performed on a group of 129 RTRs, who were divided according to the presence or absence of pruritus in the previous 3days. The assessment of pruritus was performed with the use of a numeric rating scale (NRS), 4-Item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ), and Itchy Quality of Life (Itchy QoL). A total of 129 blood samples with a volume of 9ml were drawn from RTRs during the monthly routine control. Serum levels (pg/mL) of NT-4 and BDNF were measured by the ELISA. Pruritic RTRs have statistically significantly higher serum concentrations of NT-4 serum level compared to non-pruritic RTRs (229.17 ± 143.86pg/mL and 153.08 ± 78.19pg/mL [p = 0.024], respectively). Moreover, a statistically significant difference between pruritic and non-pruritic RTRs with healthy controls was shown (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Although there was a numerically higher serum concentration of BDNF in pruritic RTRs (32.18 ± 7.31pg/mL vs. 31.58 ± 10.84pg/mL), the difference did not reach statistical significance. No statistically significant difference was also seen in BDNF serum levels between RTRs and healthy controls. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant, positive correlation between serum concentration of NT-4 and NRS score (p = 0.008, r = 0.357). The results indicate higher NT-4 serum concentration in RTRs with pruritus compared to RTRs without pruritus. Furthermore, the study revealed a statistically significant, positive correlation between the serum concentration of NT-4 and NRS score.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum concentration and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in patients with peripheral artery disease: the importance of heart failure

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum concentration and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in patients with peripheral artery disease: the importance of heart failure

Evaluation of the relationship between serum BDNF concentration and indicators of oxidative stress and inflammation in COVID-19 patients with neurological disorders - a pilot study

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the development of neurological disorders in COVID-19 patients and the probable role of oxidative stress and inflammation in this phenomenon.MethodsThe present case-control study included 42 COVID-19 patients referring to Golestan and Sina hospitals of Ahvaz, Iran, for treatment. Patients with (n = 18) and without (n = 24) neurological disorders were allocated into test and control groups, respectively. Following blood sampling, serum isolation was done, and the serum was stored at −80°C until biochemical assessment for measuring BDNF, oxidative stress indices, and inflammatory factors.ResultsAlthough no significant brain damage was observed in the COVID-19 patients with neurological disorders, the results showed that the serum level of BDNF in the test group increased compared to that in the control group, and this increment was accompanied with increased Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and decreased Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels in the serum. Moreover, compared to the control group, patients in the test group had a decreased level of Thiol and an increased level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the serum concentration of BDNF and nitric oxide (NO) in the test group.ConclusionUsing over-the-counter (OTC) medicines which include thiol-group-related agents or any other antioxidants can alleviate oxidative stress and the associated increased inflammation in COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms.

Serum concentrations of BDNF in adolescents with metabolic syndrome: a case-control study between normal - BMI adolescents and adolescents with obesity

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been linked to various conditions of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Scarce data exist about the concentrations of BDNF in children and adolescents in relation with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to examine the serum BDNF concentrations in adolescents with metabolic syndrome and according to their body mass index (BMI) status. This was a case-control study, assessing BDNF concentrations between adolescents with MetS (with obesity vs. normal-BMI), in relation to sex, anthropometric, metabolic and endocrine parameters. Participants included male and female adolescents, whose anthropometric and metabolic panel, as well as serum BDNF concentrations were measured. A total of 59 adolescents (obesity: 29; normal-BMI: 30) were included in the study. Increased serum BDNF concentrations were observed in MetS adolescents with obesity when compared with normal-BMI adolescents (p < 0.001). Males exhibited higher concentrations of BDNF than females (p = 0.045). The sample was further divided into four categories by sex and BMI status, with normal-BMI females exhibiting significantly lower BDNF concentrations than females and males with obesity(p = 0.005). In the entire study sample, serum BDNF concentrations correlated positively with BMI z-scores, however, this statistical significance was preserved only in the females of the sample. No statistical difference was observed between males of different BMI z-scores categories. Conclusion: Obesity appeared as a major factor for increased serum BDNF concentrations in adolescents with MetS (vs. normal-BMI), with a higher impact on BDNF concentrations in females than males.What is Known:• The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in metabolic syndrome in adults but data in adolescents are scarce.What is New:• Obesity (vs. normal BMI) was a major factor for increased serum BDNF in adolescents with metabolic syndrome.• Obesity had a higher impact on BDNF concentrations in females than males with metabolic syndrome.

Serum biomarkers in normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Aim To investigate the serum value of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proteins S-100, NSE, IL-6 in normal pressure patients (NPH) compared to control (healthy) group and also a possible correlation with radiological findings in NPH patients. Methods Study patients were included during the period of 2020- 2022. All NPH patients met the diagnostic criteria for probability of NPH. Control patients group included patients without known brain disorder, without clinical symptoms of NPH. Blood samples were taken before planned surgery for NPH. BDNF serum concentrations were assessed by a sensitive ELISA kit, and serum concentrations of S-100, NSE and IL-6 were assessed by using ECLIA technology for immunoassay detection. Results Among 15 patients who were included, seven NPH patients were compared to eight control patients. Non-significant decrease in BDNF serum concentrations, an increase of protein S-100 serum concentrations, a decrease of NSE serum concentrations, as well as an increase of IL-6 serum concentrations in NPH patients compared to healthy controls was found. Strong positive correlation between BNDF and Evans index was observed (p=0.0295). Conclusion We did not find a significant difference of BDNF, protein S-100, IL-6 and NSE between serum concentration in NPH and healthy patients. More future research is needed to find the role of BDNF in NPH patients.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as predictors of childhood neuroblastoma relapse

BackgroundNeuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood malignant tumor,50% of high-risk NB children still have recurrence, and the long-term survival rate is very low. NB tumors expressing high levels of BDNF/TrkB are associated with poor survival outcomes.In this study, we show that the trends of serum concentration of BDNF at different growth stages after birth, and explore the relationship with NB replase.MethodsIn experiment 1, 87 subjects were enrolled and divided into four groups, neonates group、 children group、adults group and NB patients. The distribution of serum concentration of BDNF by ELISA. In experiment 2, we studied BDNF in stage 4 NB patients to determine their frequency, correlation with clinical parameters, and prognostic impact.ResultsFirst, we identified that serum BDNF concentration decreased from the newborn to childhood in healthy subjects, while it was relatively high in children(age > 1 year) with NB. In the second phase our studies showed no significant increase in serum BDNF concentration in these NB patients, with adverse pathologic features, large tumor maximum diameter, and MYCN amplification. After comprehensive treatment, levels of BDNF gradually increased in children with recurrence and decreased in the remission group. High serum BDNF concentration was associated with relapse. Of 21 stage 4 neuroblastoma patients, adopted a comprehensive treatment approach including ATO-basic modified chemotherapy, traditional radiotherapy,stem cell transplatation and immunotherapy. 76% of alive patients having > 3 years follow-up. Conclusion:The aim is to show that BDNF is a predictor of recurrence risk of NB.

Red foxtail millet upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in vitro and in vivo.

Upregulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain can help in the prevention and treatment of depression. BDNF is synthesized in various peripheral tissues, as well as in the brain, and can reach the brain via the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, foods that upregulate peripheral BDNF levels may aid in depression management. We previously showed the BDNF-upregulating effect of white foxtail millet (WFM) using the human renal adenocarcinoma ACHN cell line, capable of producing and secreting BDNF. However, whether other varieties of foxtail millet can also upregulate BDNF is unclear. Herein, we examined the effects of red foxtail millet (RFM) on BDNF production in vitro and in vivo. RFM methanol extracts significantly increased BDNF levels in the culture medium of ACHN cells, and the levels were higher than those with WFMtreatment. Serum BDNF concentrations in rats fed a standard diet containing 20% RFM for 5 weeks were significantly higher than those in the control. Furthermore, the butanol fraction of the RFM methanol extract significantly increased BDNF levels in the culture medium of ACHN cells and upregulated BDNF mRNA expression in ACHN cells. Our results suggest that RFM has potential as a food material with BDNF-inducing activity.

BDNF and KISS-1 Levels in Maternal Serum, Umbilical Cord, and Placenta: The Potential Role of Maternal Levels as Effect Biomarker

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and kisspeptin-1 (KISS-1) regulate placental development and fetal growth. The predictive value of maternal serum BDNF and KISS-1 concentrations for placental and umbilical cord levels has not yet been explored. The influence of prenatal lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure and maternal iron status on BDNF and KISS-1 levels is also unclarified and of concern. In a pilot cross-sectional study with 65 mother–newborn pairs, we analyzed maternal and cord serum levels of pro-BDNF, mature BDNF, and KISS-1, BDNF, and KISS-1 gene expression in placenta, Pb and Cd in maternal and umbilical cord blood (erythrocytes), and placenta. We conducted a series of in vitro experiments using human primary trophoblast cells (hTCs) and BeWo cells to verify main findings of the epidemiological analysis. Strong and consistent correlations were observed between maternal serum levels of pro-BDNF, mature BDNF, and KISS-1 and corresponding levels in umbilical serum and placental tissue. Maternal red blood cell Pb levels were inversely correlated with serum and placental KISS-1 levels. Lower expression and release of KISS-1 was also observed in Pb-exposed BeWo cells. In vitro Pb exposure also reduced cellular BDNF levels. Cd-treated BeWo cells showed increased pro-BDNF levels. Low maternal iron status was positively associated with low BDNF levels. Iron-deficient hTCs and BeWo cells showed a consistent decrease in the release of mature BDNF. The correlations between maternal BDNF and KISS-1 levels, placental gene expression, and umbilical cord serum levels, respectively, indicate the strong potential of maternal serum as predictive matrix for BDNF and KISS-1 levels in placentas and fetal sera. Pb exposure and iron status modulate BDNF and KISS-1 levels, but a clear direction of modulations was not evident. The associations need to be confirmed in a larger sample and validated in terms of placental and neurodevelopmental function.