Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Mediates the Relationship between Abdominal Adiposity and Executive Function in Middle Age

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 493-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonya Kaur ◽  
Mitzi M. Gonzales ◽  
Takashi Tarumi ◽  
Astrid Villalpando ◽  
Mohammed Alkatan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Abdominal Adiposity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjectives: Excessive adipose tissue, especially in the abdominal area, is associated with increased risk of dementia in older adults. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. As increased adiposity is also associated with lower circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key molecule modulating brain plasticity and neuronal regeneration, we hypothesized that the changes in cognition that occur as a result of excessive abdominal adiposity would be driven by lower levels of circulating BDNF. Methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 60 participants aged 40–60 years (mean±SD=52.3±5.6) and BDNF levels were assessed with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Abdominal adiposity was measured using a ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference (WHR). Participants also completed a neuropsychological assessment battery to assess executive function. Statistical mediation was assessed using traditional causal steps and nonparametric bootstrapping. Results: Higher WHR was significantly associated with poorer performance on the Controlled Oral Word Association (COWA) letter fluency test (β=−0.489; p=.003) and lower levels of circulating BDNF (β=−0.345; p=.006). Linear regression and bootstrapping methods indicated that BDNF fully mediated the relationship between WHR and performance on the COWA (β=0.60; 95% confidence interval [−3.79, −0.26]). Conclusions: The relationship between higher WHR and verbal fluency was fully statistically mediated by circulating BDNF levels. The BDNF pathway is thus a useful probable mechanism through which executive function decline occurs in individuals with high abdominal adiposity. BDNF enhancing interventions (physical exercise and dietary restriction) could thus be used to improve executive function in these individuals. (JINS, 2016, 22, 1–8)

No association of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor with striatal dopamine transporter availability in healthy subjects

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-Yeol Nam ◽  
Seongho Seo ◽  
Myung Jun Lee ◽  
Keunyoung Kim ◽  
In Joo Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caudate Nucleus ◽  
Dopamine Transporter ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Assay Method ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Bdnf

Abstract Objective Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a key role in brain plasticity, synaptic function, neuronal survival, learning, and memory formation. We aimed to investigate the association of BDNF with dopamine transporter (DAT) availabilities measured by positron emission tomography (PET) in healthy subjects. Methods Thirty-five healthy, male subjects without brain injury, neuropsychological disorders were included in this study. The emission data were acquired over 90 mins with 50 frames after injection of 18F-FP-CIT using PET. Binding potentials (BPNDs) of ventral striatum (VST), caudate nucleus, putamen were measured with the simplified reference tissue method. The serum BDNF level (pg/mL) was measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results Thirty-five healthy males with a mean age of 24.4 ± 2.7 years were included in this study. Multiple regression was done to investigate the association between striatal BPNDs from VST, caudate nucleus, putamen and serum BDNF after adjusting for age. None of striatal BPNDs from VST (p=0.8450), caudate nucleus (p=0.4783), and putamen (p=0.7994) were associated with serum BDNF. Conclusion Striatal DAT availabilities measured from PET were not associated with the serum BDNF in healthy subjects.

Assessment of executive function (EF) among pediatric survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9584-9584
Author(s):  
Lyn M Balsamo ◽  
Kyaw J Sint ◽  
Joseph Philip Neglia ◽  
Nina Kadan-Lottick
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽  
Parent Ratings ◽  
Childhood All ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
And Performance

9584 Background: Childhood ALL survivors are at increased risk of impaired EF. Both parent ratings and performance-based measures are used to identify vulnerable patients. We seek to assess the association between these modalities to 1) each other, and 2) need for special education and stimulants. Methods: This 22-site cross-sectional study included 256 children in remission for standard-risk precursor-B ALL previously enrolled on legacy Children's Oncology Protocols from 1993 - 2000. Patients had no history of CNS leukemia, cranial radiation, or pre-existing neurodevelopmental disorders; were ≥1 year off-therapy; and were 6-16 years at evaluation. Patients were administered performance-based measures of working memory, Digit Span (DS) and Letter-Number Sequencing (LNS) comprising the Working Memory Index (WMI) from the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children - Fourth Edition. Patients completed the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT). Parents completed demographic surveys and a Likert-scale assessment of executive processes, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Results: There were modest correlations between BRIEF-WM scale and WMI (r=-0.20, p<0.01) and subscales, DS (r=-0.17, p<0.01) and LNS (r=-0.19, p<0.01). BRIEF-Initiate and COWAT (r=-0.22, p<0.01) were correlated. However, impaired classification based on performance-based measures was a poor predictor of parent assessment classification. The WMI and BRIEF-WM independently predicted receipt of special education (p=0.0017 and 0.0003). The BRIEF-WM and Initiate scales predicted stimulant medication use (p<0.0001 and p=0.0037); however, performance-based measures did not. Conclusions: Rater and performance-based measures provide related, but different information about EF indicating the need for both. Both measurement modalities capture educational difficulties; however, only parent ratings are associated with stimulants. This may reflect the medication's success in modifying cognition in controlled environments and the BRIEF's sensitivity to the child's ability to execute tasks in the real-world setting.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a suicide factor in mental disorders

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 356-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majda Grah ◽  
Mate Mihanovic ◽  
Nedjeljka Ruljancic ◽  
Branka Restek-Petrovic ◽  
Sven Molnar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Potential Marker ◽  
Serum Bdnf

ObjectiveBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in brain plasticity processes and serum levels have been demonstrated to be altered in patients with different mental disorder including suicidal behaviour. The objective of this study was to examine the association between serum BDNF levels as a possible peripheral indicator of suicide behaviour in subjects suffering from depression, personality disorders (PDs) and adjustment disorders (ADs) with or without suicide attempt.MethodsThe research included 172 randomly selected individuals suffering from recurrent depressive disorder (RDD; F 33.2), emotionally unstable PD (F 60.3) and AD (F 43.2), with or without attempted suicide according to the criteria of the ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision) and 60 phenotypically health control subjects. In the group of patients, 73% subjects took some form of psychopharmacotherapy. Serum BDNF levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSubjects with PD and AD with suicide attempts had significantly lower serum BDNF levels than those without suicide attempts. In groups of subjects with PD and AD, those taking psychopharmacotherapy had higher serum BDNF levels. In the group of subjects with RDD, there were no differences with respect to suicide attempts or psychopharmacotherapy. Logistical regression analysis was indicated that psychopharmcotherapy and serum BDNF levels statistically correlated with suicide attempts.ConclusionThe lower levels of BDNF in subjects suffering from PD and AD with suicide attempts, suggest that the serum BDNF level is a potential marker of suicidal behaviour, independent of mental disorders.

Chronic stress and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-27
Author(s):  
A. V. DUBOVAYA ◽  
◽  
S. Ya. IAROSHENKO ◽  
O. A. PRILUTSKAYA ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Signal Transmission ◽  
Active Agent ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Pituitary Adrenal Axis ◽  
Transmission Information ◽  
Class Representative

The article discusses the influence of stress on the development of nervous tissue, in particular, on the synthesis of neurotrophins (by the example of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as the most studied class representative). The biological functions of BDNF are discussed as well as its influence on neuroplasticity and the mechanisms by which the protection of neurons is carried out. The article covers the relationship of the stress-implementing system (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) and its main active agent (cortisol) with the BDNF synthesis system at its various levels: from the inhibition of mRNA formation to the mechanisms of postsynaptic signal transmission. Information is also provided on changes of BDNF levels due to the maternal deprivation. Epigenetic changes under the influence of glucocorticoids are also reported. However, it is not only glucocorticoids that alter the functioning of the neurotrophin system. The article provides examples of the reverse effect, enabling to consider neurotrophins as a substance with an anti-stress function. In conclusion, the authors give examples of activities that, according to research, can stimulate the synthesis of neurotrophic factor in the brain.

An fNIRS examination of executive function in bilingual young children

2020 ◽  
pp. 136700692095288
Author(s):  
Sha Xie ◽  
Dandan Wu ◽  
Jinfeng Yang ◽  
Jiutong Luo ◽  
Chunqi Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Behavioral Performance ◽  
Immersion Program ◽  
Prefrontal Region ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Aims: The present study aims to examine: (1) the relationship between young children’s bilingualism and their performance in the Dimensional Card Change Sort (DCCS) task; and (2) whether prefrontal activation was associated with children’s bilingualism and executive function. Methodology: Children performed three sessions of the DCCS and their brain activity during the task was measured using functional nearinfrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Data and analysis: A sample of bilingual children ( N = 49) was recruited from a preschool with an English immersion program. We examined whether children’s performance in the DCCS was related to their bilingualism and whether the changes in oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal regions were related to their bilingualism and performance in the DCCS. Findings/conclusions: Results showed that children’s English ability was significantly correlated with their behavioral performance in DCCS, and predicted children’s group membership (pass or perseverate). Furthermore, children in the pass group significantly activated the prefrontal cortex than those in the perseverate group, and activation in the prefrontal region was significantly correlated with children’s English ability. Originality: The current study first examined the effect of children’s bilingualism on their executive function and prefrontal activation.

scholarly journals Elevated levels of serum, but not salivary, brain-derived neurotrophic factor following mild traumatic brain injury in collegiate athletes post return-to-play

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 205970021989410
Author(s):  
Taylor R Susa ◽  
Ryan D Brandt ◽  
Keara J Kangas ◽  
Catherine E Bammert ◽  
Erich N Ottem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Serum Bdnf

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) helps restore neuronal function following mild traumatic brain injury. BDNF levels can be obtained in blood serum and more recently in saliva. However, the relationship between serum and salivary BDNF is poorly understood—especially in relation to alterations in BDNF levels following mild traumatic brain injury. In this study, serum and salivary BDNF were collected from a sample of 42 collegiate student athletes. Half of the participants were recently cleared by a physician and/or an athletic trainer to return-to-play after experiencing a sports-related concussion. The other half had not experienced a concussion within the past year and were matched by age, sex, sport, and time of sample. Results suggest that incidences of depression, anxiety, and stress were all elevated in the concussion group, relative to the control participants. When controlling for stress-related negative affect, serum BDNF was elevated in the concussion group. However, there was no difference in salivary BDNF. Serum and salivary BDNF were uncorrelated across the entire sample. Yet, these measures of BDNF were correlated in the concussion group, but not the control group. In sum, serum BDNF is elevated in concussion post return-to-play; however, further research is needed to explore the utility of salivary BDNF following concussion.

scholarly journals Association between plasma levels of BDNF and the antisuicidal effects of repeated ketamine infusions in depression with suicidal ideation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 204512532097379
Author(s):  
Wei Zheng ◽  
Yan-Ling Zhou ◽  
Cheng-Yu Wang ◽  
Xiao-Feng Lan ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Depressed Patients ◽  
Over Time

Background: This study is the first to examine the association between plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the antisuicidal effects of repeated ketamine infusions in depressed patients with suicidal ideation. Methods: Fifty-seven depressed patients with suicidal ideation received six ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg) during a 12 days period. Suicidality was measured with the Scale for Suicidal Ideations (SSI-part 1), item 10 of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and item 3 of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) at baseline, 1 day after the first infusion (1 day), 1 day after the sixth infusion (13 days), and at 2 weeks after the last infusion (26 days). Plasma levels of BDNF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline, 13 days, and 26 days. Results: Overall, 46 (80.7%) depressed patients with suicidal ideation had an antisuicidal response at 13 days. Despite a significant reduction in suicidal symptoms over time, no changes in plasma levels of BDNF were found after ketamine treatment when compared with baseline. Correlation analysis showed that no significant association was observed between the plasma levels of BDNF and the changes in the severity of suicidal symptoms as measured by SSI-part 1, item 10 of the MADRS, or item 3 of the HAMD at 1 day, 13 days, and 26 days (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated that plasma levels of BDNF may not serve as a biomarker for determining the antisuicidal effects of six ketamine infusions in depressed patients with suicidal ideation.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and electroconvulsive therapy in a schizoaffective patient with treatment-resistant paranoid-hallucinatory symptoms

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1148-1148
Author(s):  
G. Martinotti ◽  
V. Ricci ◽  
M. Di Nicola ◽  
C. Caltagirone ◽  
P. Bria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
General Improvement ◽  
The Relationship

It has been proposed that deficits in the production and the utilization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. At the same time, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to induce a robust increase of BDNF protein in animal models. These findings suggest that one putative mechanism of action of ECT is the regulation of BDNF and/or related neurotrophins. In this case report a 54-year-old man with severe treatment-resistant schizophrenic symptoms was treated with ECT. In order to evaluate the effect of ECT on BDNF serum levels, we collected a blood sample before each ECT session. During the course of ECT treatment the paranoid and hallucinatory symptoms gradually improved while BDNF levels increased over time. In addition, there was a general improvement of its positive and negative schizophrenic symptoms and depressive state.In conclusion, this case report further validates the therapeutic efficacy of ECT in schizophrenic patients with inadequate or poor response to traditional treatments. Moreover, ECT therapeutic effect is associated with an increase in BDNF serum levels. Further studies are needed to characterize the relationship between BDNF and ECT in patients with schizophrenia symptoms.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document