Serum Brain-derived Neurotropic Factor Levels Research Articles

Abstract 17674: Serum Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Levels Predict the Recurrences of Atrial Fibrillation Following Catheter Ablation

Background: Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor with roles within the nervous system and cardiovascular system. It has been reported that serum BDNF is decreased in diseases related to persistent stress, such as chronic inflammation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is also considered to be one of the diseases related to chronic inflammation, although the relationship between serum BDNF and AF remains unclear. Methods: This prospective study included 68 consecutive patients (44 men; 69 [58-69] years) who underwent first session of paroxysmal AF ablation. Before and 3 months after the ablation, blood samples were obtained to measure the several biomarkers that are known to be related to AF in addition to serum BDNF. AF recurrence was defined as the appearance of AF after 3 month blanking period following the ablation. Results: The serum BDNF levels before ablation were significantly increased after AF ablation (3.5 [1.6-16.6] ng/ml vs. 22.1 [16.2-27.4] ng/ml, p<0.001). During follow-up period of 10±2 months, AF recurrence occurred in 5 (7%) patients. The serum BDNF at 3 months post-ablation were significantly lower in patients with recurrent AF than in those without (19.6 [13.8-20.8] ng/ml vs. 22.0 [17.5-27.1] ng/ml, p=0.019). Furthermore, the serum BDNF at 3 months post-ablation was an independent predictor of AF recurrence (odds ratio 0.912, 95% confidence interval 0.835-0.996, p=0.040). According to the ROC curve analysis, the serum BDNF at 3 months post-ablation <22.0 ng/ml was associated with AF recurrence with 100% sensitivity and 54% specificity (area under the curve=0.817, p=0.019). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the recurrence rate of AF was higher in the group L (the serum BDNF at 3 months post-ablation <22.0 ng/ml) than the group H at 3 months post-ablation >22.0 ng/ml) (p = 0.02) [figure 1]. Conclusions: Lower serum BDNF levels at 3 months after blanking period following the AF ablation might be a predictor of AF recurrence.

Effects of Different Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Circulating Levels of Neurotrophic Factor in Healthy and Hyperlipidemic Adults in A Local Population

Objective: The present study is to compare the pre and post serum BDNF levels in healthy and hyperlipidemic population at baseline and post 12 weeks of exercise and to correlate the pre and post serum BDNF levels in healthy and hyperlipidemic population at baseline and post 12 weeks of exercise.
 Study Design: Two arm follow up non-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT).
 Place and Duration of Study: Physiology department, Basic Medical Science Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi
 Methodology: A total 258 participants of any age were divided into two groups: 129 participants in one of the two groups, Group-1 adult hyperlipidemic group and Group-2 healthy adults group. Both groups were additional divided into 3 subgroups with different exercise intensity i.e. light, moderate and high intensity exercise. To evaluate the health status of participants, graded exercise test by using Bruce protocol and the HRmax was performed and given a specific exercise program for 12 weeks. The test was a conducted as per Bruce protocol (Smith 2013), using a treadmill with heart rate monitoring and ECG monitor. Blood sample had been taken for the analysis of total cholesterol and serum levels of BDNF.
 Results: Mean levels of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) of healthy and hyperlipidemic participants in all three different intensity exercise group (A, B, and C) at baseline and three follow-ups shown no statistically significant difference between LIEG on BDNF level from baseline (day zero) till three consecutive follow ups (p>0.05). While, in moderate (p<0.05) and high intensity participants (p<0.01) demonstrated an increase in BDNF levels at 90th day when compared from baseline i.e. day zero. Prominently, no significant difference observed at baseline (p>0.05), however a significant difference was found at day 30, 60 and 90 (p <0.05, 20.01, <0.001) respectively.
 Conclusion: In light of our findings we conclude that 12 weeks of moderate to high intensity exercise progress cognitive function, serum BDNF levels, and improved lipid profile parameters, while low intensity exercise showed no significant mean difference for healthy participants.

Assessment of Cortisol, Brain-Derived Neurotropic factor, C - reactive protein, Interleukin-6 levels and cognitive decline after trauma exposure

Background: Studies have found that multiple neurobiological mechanisms are underlying the cause of Posttraumatic stress that influence the nervous and immune system leading to neurodegenerative and psychiatric comorbidities. The present study aims to assess and evaluate the serum Cortisol, C - reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) levels and cognitive decline among subjects with trauma exposure and to determine the relationship between the above-specified stress biomarkers.
 Methodology: Two groups with trauma exposure (including natural disaster, any accident, physical and/or verbal violence, or any stressful condition) in the last twelve months were recruited. Groups were majorly divided based on TSC-40 (Trauma Symptom Checklist - 40) scores. Subjects with a TSC score > 40 were kept in the traumatized group, while those with TSC score < 40 were included in the control group. A total of 188 subjects above the age of 18 were recruited following inclusion criteria, cognition was measured using the Six-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6-CIT), and serum samples were obtained for cortisol, CRP, BDNF, and IL-6 levels.
 Results: There was a significant difference in the serum BDNF (P<0.001) level among the traumatized subjects, i.e. 15.68 ± 3.55 ng/dl as compared to controls 26.65 ± 2.47 ng/dl; no significant difference was found in CRP levels (ns) in both groups with a slight increase among the traumatized subjects as compared to the controls, i.e. 4.29 ± 1.50 mg/dl vs. 3.42 ± 1.11 mg/dl. As indicated by the 6-CIT score, the cognitive decline was more pronounced among the traumatized subjects, i.e. 8.54 ± 2.13 compared to the control group 5.0 ± 1.81, with a significant positive difference (p<0.001).
 Conclusion: The finding suggests that traumatic stress is associated with Cognitive decline, BDNF and cortisol, whereas a non-significant association was found with IL-6 and CRP levels.

Association of blood lead levels with neurobehavior and BDNF expression in school going children

BackgroundChildhood Lead (Pb) toxicity has been an ongoing concern for decades; however, its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Although its prevalence has come down in developed countries (USA, Europe); it is relatively high in low to middle-income countries of South-East Asia. The current study aimed to evaluate the association of blood lead levels (BLLs) with neurobehavioral alterations and changes in Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) expression in Indian school children. MethodologySchool going children in age group of 9–15 years (N = 72) were included in the study. Neurobehavioral changes were assessed using Childhood Psychopathological Measurement Schedule (CPMS) and BLL were measured by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFAAS). BDNF mRNA expression and serum BDNF levels were assessed by Real-Time PCR and ELISA, respectively. ResultsMedian BLL was 4.95 μg/dL (IQR = 4.47), very close to the recommended toxic cut off levels (<5 μg/dL). BLLs had a direct correlation with both CPMS scores and BDNF expression. Depression was found to be significantly higher in boys than in girls with high BLLs. BDNF mRNA expression and serum BDNF levels were higher among children with high BLL, although not to significant levels. ConclusionWe report a significant association of neurobehavioral changes with the prevalence of high Pb levels in Indian children. Additionally significant correlation of BDNF with BLL in these children suggests a causal role of BDNF in Pb induced neurological damage.

Circulating Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) In Response To Three-day Ultra-endurance Racing

Cardiovascular exercise is known to exert a variety of positive physiological and psychological benefits on neurocognitive function, glucose and fatty acid metabolism, and muscle recovery. Many of these effects are thought to be mediated by brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), a neurotropin produced both centrally and peripherally. The fate of BDNF during prolonged endurance exercise is unknown and may be implicated to mitigate potential negative consequences to ultra-endurance racing. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a three-day ultra-endurance triathlon on serum BDNF concentrations pre- and post-race. METHODS: Twenty triathletes (age: 40 ± 8.8 yrs) who competed in the 2015 (N=13 men, 3 women) and 2017 (N=3 men, 1 woman) Ultraman Florida triathlon participated in the present study. Blood samples were collected 24-36 hrs pre-race and within 12 hrs post-race. Serum BDNF levels were measured via ELISA. A paired sample t-test was used to evaluate differences between pre- and post-race BDNF concentrations. Values are reported as mean ± SD with significance accepted as p<0.05. RESULTS: BDNF significantly increased from pre- to post- race (0.17 ± 0.9 pg/mL vs. 0.23 ± 0.14 pg/mL; +9.6%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, BDNF is shown to significantly increase after a three-day ultra-endurance race. These findings may indicate that BDNF concentrations are elevated to potentially counteract any negative consequences derived from ultra-endurance exercise. The influence of both duration and intensity of exercise on BDNF concentrations need to be further elucidated due to its array of positive implications on cognitive and physical function and recovery from prolonged endurance exercise. Supported by the International Society of Sports Nutrition and Florida State University.

The Effect of High- and Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy on Serum Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Level and Motor Ability in Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is widely used in various neurological cases. rTMS is an effective method of restoration in patients with disability due to central nervous system disorder.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of high and low frequency of rTMS on serum brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels and motoric abilities in ischemic stroke patients.&#x0D; METHODS: The study design was an experiment with a purposive sampling consecutive on 27 samples with the onset of ischemic stroke 6 months. The study was conducted from February to October 2018; samples were recruited from Neurology Ward of Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital and its affiliating centers. The serial of rTMS intervention was delivered in “Brain” Clinic center. After fulfilling the inclusion criteria and the initial examination of serum BDNF and motor ability, samples were randomly divided into two groups, intervention group who received standard therapy with rTMS therapy (n = 14) and the control group who only received standard therapy (n = 13). rTMS was given for 2 min frequency of 1 Hertz (Hz) contralesion and 5 Hz ipsilesion every day for 10 days. Assessment of serum BDNF levels and motor skills was conducted on days 1 and 10 of the study. Serum BDNF levels were measured by the monoclonal antibody ELISA technique while motor skills were measured based on the score of the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM). Serum BDNF values and the STREAM delta score were compared between the two groups of samples.&#x0D; RESULTS: The results showed significant changes only occurred in motor abilities in both groups of samples after 10 days of rTMS therapy with the Wilcoxon test (p &lt; 0.5). The Mann–Whitney U-test showed a more significant change (p &lt; 0.5) in the treatment group than in the control (p = 0.5).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: rTMS has an effect on improving motor ability in ischemic stroke patients. This change in motor abilities is not related to serum BDNF levels in this study.

Brain Derived Neurotropic Factors in Speed vs. Inclined Treadmill in Young Adult Healthy Male With Occult Balance Disorder.

Background: There is an increase in fall risk among elders and young adults consecutively due to various causes. Occult balance disorder may be among the abnormal causes of falling in young adults as well as elders. The One Leg Stance (OLS) test is used to diagnose this balance performance; it’s a proven test to measure static balance function which would lead to dynamic balance function. It has been proven that aside from cardiopulmonary exercises, treadmill workout can be used as a dynamic balance exercise. The Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) increases balance function through the treadmill exercise (the inclination and speed). This hormone is one of the tropical hormones generated in neurons, muscles, hematopoietic tissue and it is characterized by neurons morphology regulation and neuroplasticity.Materials and Methods: We divided 20 healthy young adult men to work out on inclination and speed groups treadmill exercise. The workout lasted for 2 weeks. We immediately observed the effect of exercise on serum BDNF as two tests were taken on before and 30 min after the workout.Result: There were significant increases of pre-exercise serum BDNF level in speed group between the first and the last exercise (p = 0.001), post-exercise between the first day and the last exercise (p = 0.001). No significant increase of serum BDNF in speed group pre- and post-exercise on the first exercise (p = 0.159), pre- and post-exercise on the last exercise (p = 0.892). There was no significant increase in serum BDNF in inclination group on all parameters (p > 0.05). The serum BDNF is actually a neurotropic factor that affects not just the neuronal system, but also molecular energy and metabolism regulation. This serum is dependent on the aerobic capacity, lactate production, muscle calcium uptake, and muscle fiber type used in exercises. Furthermore, the serum BDNF is increased by treadmill exercises in escalated speed.Conclusion: Treadmill exercises with average speed escalation increase the serum BDNF.

Effects of enalapril and losartan alone and in combination with sodium valproate on seizures, memory, and cardiac changes in rats

PurposeCardiac changes accompanying seizures may be responsible for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and drugs with antiseizure and favorable cardiovascular profile could be beneficial. The effect of losartan and enalapril alone and in combination with sodium valproate on seizures, cognition, cardiac histopathology, and serum brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels were determined. MethodsMale “Wistar” rats (200–250 g) were administered enalapril (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) and losartan (10 mg/kg, i.p.) daily and simultaneously subjected to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindling (PTZ 30 mg/kg, i.p., every alternate day). Enalapril and losartan were injected 45 & 120 min before seizure stimuli. In another set of experiments, sodium valproate (150 mg/kg, i.p.) alone or in combination with enalapril (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and losartan (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered daily during induction of kindling. The effect on seizures and behavior were noted; rats were sacrificed, and blood and hearts were collected for further analysis, i.e., BDNF levels, heart weight–body weight (HWBW) ratio, and cardiac histopathology. ResultsLosartan, but not enalapril, suppressed the seizure score in PTZ kindling. Sodium valproate alone or in combination with losartan or enalapril prevented kindled seizures. Sodium valproate per se caused cognitive impairment, which was prevented on combining with losartan or enalapril. A decrease in HWBW ratio was observed only in enalapril group (p value = 0.02). Kindling led to cardiac ischemic changes, which could be prevented by losartan and sodium valproate. Serum BDNF level was decreased in PTZ (p value = 0.02) and sodium valproate per se group (p value = 0.04), but sodium valproate could reverse the PTZ-induced decrease in serum BDNF level. ConclusionThe use of losartan with sodium valproate in epilepsy may prevent the cognitive and cardiac sequelae of seizures. The BDNF levels as a marker for cardiovascular risk in persons with epilepsy (PWE) needs to be explored further.

Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on serum brain-derived neurotropic factor level, C-reactive protein, and zinc level in patients with depression

Objectives: To apply the acupuncture and moxibustion to the treatment of patients with depression and study the serum brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) level, C-reactive protein (CRP), and zinc level in the patients. Methods: Thirty-five patients with depression treated in our hospital were selected as the research individuals, and they were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group. Seventeen patients in the control group were treated with head massage and 18 patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture. The levels of BDNF, CRP, and zinc were measured and recorded by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The levels of BDNF in serum BDNF in the control group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups in serum BDNF levels (P

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and exercise tolerance complement each other in predicting the prognosis of patients with heart failure

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is a myokine that plays a key role in regulating survival, growth, and maintenance of neurons. We investigated whether the serum BDNF level at discharge could predict the prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Furthermore, we aimed to examine the relationship between this myokine and exercise tolerance. We prospectively enrolled 94 patients who were hospitalized for worsening HF and had cardiac rehabilitation. At discharge, the serum BDNF level of all patients was measured using a commercial ELISA kit and they underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test to measure peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2). Correlation was not observed between BDNF and peak VO2. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that cardiac death or rehospitalization owing to worsening HF was significantly higher in the low BDNF group (p = 0.023). The combination of peak VO2 and BDNF levels led to the identification of subgroups with significantly different probabilities of events (p = 0.005). In particular, in the low BDNF and low peak VO2 group, the frequency of rehospitalization within half a year after discharge was much higher than that in other groups. Multivariate analysis found BDNF as an independent factor of adverse events (hazard ratio 0.956; 95% confidence interval 0.911-0.999; p = 0.046). The serum BDNF level at discharge may be a useful biomarker of the prognosis in patients with HF. Furthermore, combining BDNF and peak VO2 may be useful for predicting early cardiac events.

PD4-5 - Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Level at Discharge Predicts the Prognosis in Patients with Heart Failure

Background: Skeletal muscle has recently been identified as an organ that produces and releases cytokines, named “myokines”. Brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophic factor family, is one of myokines and plays a key role in regulating survival, growth and maintenance of neurons. We investigated whether serum BDNF level at discharge could predict the prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods: We prospectively enrolled 94 patients who were hospitalized for worsening HF and had cardiac rehabilitation. Functional status was evaluated by using cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) to measure peak oxygen uptake (PeakVO2) at discharge. We measured serum BDNF level before CPX. Results: Although correlation was not observed between BDNF and PeakVO2 (r = 0.167), slight correlation was observed between BDNF and VE vs VCO2 slope (r = −0.220). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to detect the optimal cut-off point of BDVF (19.22 ng/ml) to estimate event free rate. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that cardiac death or rehospitalization due to worsening HF was significantly higher in the low BDNF group (P = .02). Multivariate analysis adjusted for Age, peakVO2 and VE vs VCO2 slope found BDNF as an independent factor of adverse events (hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.90–0.99, P < .01). Conclusions: Serum BDNF level at discharge may be a useful biomarker for the prognosis in patients with HF.

Lower Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Levels in Untreated Adolescents With First-Episode Psychosis.

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is known to play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, the relationship between early onset schizophrenia and BDNF has not been extensively studied. The aim of the study was to compare the levels of BDNF between adolescent patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and the healthy control subjects. The study was conducted in the Department of Child Psychiatry at Dicle University. A total of 26 adolescent patients aged between 11 and 17 years who had not received previous therapy and whose conditions were diagnosed with psychosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy adolescent control subjects were included. Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, Present and Lifetime version, and the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale were conducted with all participants. The clinical global impression was used to evaluate disease severity. The BDNF levels were measured in the serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The mean (SD) age was 14.6 (1.6) years in both FEP group (male/female, 11/15) and the control group (P > 0.05). The FEP group had significantly lower serum BDNF levels (2.0 ± 1.9 ng/mL) compared with the control group (3.4 ± 3.0 ng/mL, P = 0.03). There was no significant relationship between BDNF concentration and the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (positive and negative scores) scores (r = -0.14, P = 0.74 and r = 0.49, P = 0.22, respectively). There was no significant relationship between the duration of untreated psychosis and serum BDNF levels (r = -0.22, P = 0.32). High incidence of schizophrenia in patients with FEP suggests a relationship between BDNF levels and the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We suggest that BDNF may be a useful neurobiological marker of early onset schizophrenia.

Nurse-Enhanced Computerized Cognitive Training Increases Serum Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Levels and Improves Working Memory in Heart Failure

BackgroundMemory loss is common in heart failure (HF) patients, but few interventions have been tested to treat it. The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy of a cognitive training intervention, Brain Fitness, to improve memory, serum brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels, working memory, processing speed, executive function, instrumental activities of daily living, mobility, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Methods and ResultsTwenty-seven HF patients were randomly assigned to Brain Fitness and health education active control interventions. Data were collected at baseline and 8 and 12 weeks. Linear mixed models analyses were completed. Patients in the Brain Fitness group were older with lower ejection fraction. At 12 weeks, a group by time interaction effect was found for serum BDNF levels (P = .011): serum BDNF levels increased among patients who completed Brain Fitness and decreased among patients who completed health education. No differences were found in memory, but a group by time interaction (P = .046) effect was found for working memory. ConclusionsFindings support efficacy of Brain Fitness in improving working memory and serum BDNF levels as a biomarker of intervention response. A randomized controlled study is needed among a larger more diverse group of HF patients.

Serum Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Level Predicts Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure

BackgroundBrain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is involved in cardiovascular diseases as well as skeletal muscle energy metabolism and depression. We investigated whether serum BDNF level was associated with prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods and ResultsWe measured the serum BDNF level in 58 patients with HF (59.2 ± 13.7 years old, New York Heart Association functional class I–III) at baseline, and adverse events, including all cardiac deaths and HF rehospitalizations, were recorded during the median follow-up of 20.3 months. In a univariate analysis, serum BDNF levels were significantly associated with peak oxygen capacity (β = 0.547; P = .003), anaerobic threshold (β = 0.929; P = .004), and log minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope (β = −10.15; P = .005), but not Patient Health Questionnaire scores (β = −0.099; P = .586). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that serum BDNF level was an independent prognostic factor of adverse events (hazard ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.20–0.84; P = .003). The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that low levels of BDNF (<17.4 ng/mL) were associated with higher rates of adverse events compared with high levels of BDNF (≥17.4 ng/mL; log rank test: P < .001). ConclusionsDecreased serum BDNF levels were significantly associated with adverse outcomes in HF patients, suggesting that these levels can be a useful prognostic biomarker.

Effects of Antipsychotics on the BDNF in Schizophrenia

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is involved in the development of the brain, and likely influences the neuroplasticity in schizophrenia. BDNF is also believed to interact with other neurotransmitter systems implicated in schizophrenia, such as dopamine, glutamate, serotonin and GABA. Therefore, BDNF is a candidate gene for schizophrenia. In past decades, the blood (serum or plasma) BDNF protein levels and BDNF gene alleles and genotypes to the clinical features of schizophrenia, such as age of onset, clinical subtypes, symptom severity, and drug response, have been evaluated among different populations. However, the results are still inconsistent. Further, different drugs have been reported to have different effects on BDNF protein levels. A cross-sectional survey revealed that serum BDNF levels in chronic schizophrenic patients treated with clozapine exceeded those of patients treated with risperidone or with typical antipsychotics. In recent times, BDNF epigenetic studies have also been conducted in clinical studies of schizophrenia to address the question of why patients with the same gene genotype and alleles have different clinical presentations. In addition, the effects of different antipsychotic drugs on gene methylation and protein acetylation have also been reported. In conclusion, more data are needed regarding BDNF in the brain and in peripheral blood, including protein levels, single nucleotide polymorphisms, epigenetic regulation, and clinical data in order to understand the role of BDNF in schizophrenia.

Correlation of prefrontal activity measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with mood, BDNF genotype and serum BDNF level in healthy individuals

Depression has been known to reduce the prefrontal activity associated with the execution of certain cognitive tasks, although whether a temporarily depressed or anxious mood in healthy individuals affects the prefrontal blood oxygen level during cognitive tasks is unknown. Combining the measurement of prefrontal activity with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and the two cognitive tasks, namely the letter version of the verbal fluency test (VFT-l) and the Stroop test, we measured the effect of a depressed or anxious mood and gender on the changes in the prefrontal oxygenated hemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) levels during those cognitive tests in healthy individuals. Depressed mood or anxious mood was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Thereby we aimed to explore the possibility of NIRS measurement for detecting the early subclinical manifestation of major depression. Moreover, we examined the possible relationships between prefrontal activation and the functional Val66Met polymorphisms of the brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) gene and serum BDNF level. As a result, the increased prefrontal Oxy-Hb levels during cognitive tasks were significantly correlated with the severity of depressed mood in males. The course of the prefrontal Oxy-Hb increase was different depending on the cognitive tasks, i.e., the VFT-l or the Stroop test, in both genders. Correlations of BDNF genotype and serum BDNF level with the prefrontal Oxy-Hb levels during those cognitive tasks were negative. Our results suggest that the early subclinical manifestation of depressed mood in males might be detected by the NIRS measurement, which is not correlated with the individual properties of BDNF.

Is serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor related to craving for or use of alcohol, cocaine, or methamphetamine?

BackgroundData suggests that brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) plays a neuroadaptive role in addiction. Whether serum BDNF levels are different in alcohol or psychostimulants as a function of craving is unknown. Here, we examined craving and serum BDNF levels in persons with alcohol versus psychostimulant dependence. Our goals were to explore BDNF as an objective biomarker for 1) craving 2) abstinence, and 3) years of chronic substance use.MethodsAn exploratory, cross-sectional study was designed. Men and women between 20–65 years old with alcohol, cocaine, or methamphetamine dependence were eligible. A craving questionnaire was used to measure alcohol, cocaine and methamphetamine cravings. Serum levels of BDNF were measured using enzyme linked immunoassay. Analysis of variance, chi-square, and correlations were performed using a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of P < 0.05.ResultsWe found a significant difference in the mean craving score among alcohol, cocaine and methamphetamine dependent subjects. There were no significant influences of race, gender, psychiatric disorder or psychotropic medication on serum BDNF levels. We found that among psychostimulant users BDNF levels were significantly higher in men than in women when the number of abstinent days was statistically controlled. Further, a significant correlation between serum BDNF levels and the number of abstinent days since last psychostimulant use was found.ConclusionThese data suggest that BDNF may be a biomarker of abstinence in psychostimulant dependent subjects and inform clinicians about treatment initiatives. The results are interpreted with caution due to small sample size and lack of a control group.