Background:
Cancer is a common disease caused by the excessive proliferation of cells, and
neurodegenerative diseases are the disorders caused due to the degeneration of neurons. Both can be
considered as diseases caused by the dysregulation of cell cycle events. A recent data suggests that
there is a strong inverse association between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. There is indirect
evidence to postulate Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a potential molecular link in this
association.
Discussion:
The BDNF levels are found to be downregulated in many neurodegenerative disorders and
are found to be upregulated in various kinds of cancers. The lower level of BDNF in Alzheimer’s and
Parkinson’s disease has been found to be related to cognitive and other neuropsychological impairments,
whereas, its higher levels are associated with the tumour growth and metastasis and poor survival
rate in the cancer patients.
Conclusion:
In this review, we propose that variance in BDNF levels is critical in determining the
course of cellular pathophysiology and the development of cancer or neurodegenerative disorder. We
further propose that an alternative therapeutic strategy that can modulate BDNF expression, can rescue
or prevent above said pathophysiological course. Larger studies that examine this link through animal
studies are imperative to understand the putative biochemical and molecular link to wellness and disease.