Increased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in White Blood Cells of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients

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<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.

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Serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a potential biomarker for disease activity

The Egyptian Journal of Neurology Psychiatry and Neurosurgery ◽

10.1186/s41983-021-00296-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammed I. Oraby ◽

Hatem A. El Masry ◽

Sanaa S. Abd El Shafy ◽

Esraa M. Abdul Galil

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Serum Level ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Linear Correlation ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Bdnf Level ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is secreted by immune cells in response to neuroimmune and inflammatory cascades as an act to prevent axonal and neuronal damage after various pathological insults. The serum level of BDNF is altered in a diversity of neurological diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate the serum level of BDNF in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and the relation between BDNF and disease activity and severity. Methods A case–control study was conducted on 90 subjects: 60 patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (30 in relapse and 30 in remission) on different lines of medical treatment and 30 healthy volunteers as a control. Clinical, functional, and radiological evaluation was done for the patients, and all the patients and controls were subjected to assessment of the serum level of BDNF by sandwich-ELISA technique. Results The BDNF level was significantly higher in MS patients in relapse than in patients in remission (P value = 0.006). In the remission group, there was no significant linear correlation between different MS patients’ characteristics and BDNF level, while in the relapse group, a positive linear correlation was found between the number of T2 infratentorial lesions and BDNF level (r = 0.402, P = 0.028). There was no statistically significant difference between the BDNF level in patients administered different drugs for MS in both remission and relapse groups (P value > 0.05). Conclusion BDNF was significantly higher in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients in the relapse phase. Attention should be paid to the link between serum BDNF level as a neuroprotective factor and multiple sclerosis; it can be a biomarker for MS activity in the near future.

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