Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations in Lean and Overweight Children and Adolescents

Abstract Context: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor appear to be important components of the leptin-signaling cascade involved in energy homeostasis, and mice with BDNF or TrkB gene haploinsufficiency have excessive adiposity. Little is known about the relationship between adiposity and BDNF, particularly in children. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the association of serum BDNF with measures of adiposity in children. Design/Setting/Patients: BDNF was determined by a sandwich-type ELISA after an overnight fast in convenience sample of 328 subjects, aged 3–19 yr enriched for extreme obesity. In 43, BDNF was also measured before, and again 1 h after, consuming a high-energy content (787 kcal) milkshake. Main Outcome Measures: Measures included associations between BDNF and measures of adiposity. Results: There were no significant univariate associations between log BDNF and adiposity measured by body mass index (BMI), BMI-Z score, or fat mass. However, in an analysis of covariance accounting for age, sex, race, pubertal status, and platelet count, BDNF was lower in overweight children (mean ± sd, 39.8 ± 24.8 vs. 47.0 ± 25.4 ng/dl, P = 0.03); in multiple regression analyses with log BDNF as the dependent variable, BMI (P = 0.03), BMI-Z (P = 0.01), and body fat (P < 0.02) were all negatively associated with BDNF once age, pubertal status, and platelet count were included in the model. Ingestion of a meal did not significantly alter serum BDNF 1 h later (P = 0.26). Conclusions: Serum BDNF is lower in extremely overweight children and adolescents than those of normal weight. It remains to be determined whether obese individuals with low serum BDNF for age and platelet count have mutations that alter BDNF function.

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Are serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations related to brain structure and psychopathology in late childhood and early adolescence?

CNS Spectrums ◽

10.1017/s1092852919001688 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (6) ◽

pp. 790-796

Author(s):

Celia Maria de Araujo ◽

Walter Swardfager ◽

Andre Zugman ◽

Hugo Cogo-Moreira ◽

Sintia I. Belangero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Disorders ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Cortical Thickness ◽

Early Adolescence ◽

Brain Structure ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Late Childhood ◽

Subcortical Volumes ◽

Serum Bdnf

AbstractObjectiveMental disorders can have a major impact on brain development. Peripheral blood concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are lower in adult psychiatric disorders. Serum BDNF concentrations and BDNF genotype have been associated with cortical maturation in children and adolescents. In 2 large independent samples, this study tests associations between serum BDNF concentrations, brain structure, and psychopathology, and the effects of BDNF genotype on BDNF serum concentrations in late childhood and early adolescence.MethodsChildren and adolescents (7-14 years old) from 2 cities (n = 267 in Porto Alegre; n = 273 in São Paulo) were evaluated as part of the Brazilian high-risk cohort (HRC) study. Serum BDNF concentrations were quantified by sandwich ELISA. Genotyping was conducted from blood or saliva samples using the SNParray Infinium HumanCore Array BeadChip. Subcortical volumes and cortical thickness were quantified using FreeSurfer. The Development and Well-Being Behavior Assessment was used to identify the presence of a psychiatric disorder.ResultsSerum BDNF concentrations were not associated with subcortical volumes or with cortical thickness. Serum BDNF concentration did not differ between participants with and without mental disorders, or between Val homozygotes and Met carriers.ConclusionsNo evidence was found to support serum BDNF concentrations as a useful marker of developmental differences in brain and behavior in early life. Negative findings were replicated in 2 of the largest independent samples investigated to date.

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Lower Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome Compared to Obese and Lean Control Subjects

Endocrine Reviews ◽

10.1210/edrv.31.3.9981 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 398-398

Author(s):

Joan C. Han ◽

Michael J. Muehlbauer ◽

Huaxia N. Cui ◽

Christopher B. Newgard ◽

Andrea M. Haqq

Keyword(s):

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Peripheral Circulation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinical Research Center ◽

Melanocortin Signaling ◽

Serum Bdnf

ABSTRACT Context Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) haploinsufficiency is associated with hyperphagia and obesity in both animals and humans. BDNF appears to function downstream of the leptin-melanocortin signaling pathway to control energy balance. The potential role of BDNF in the etiology of the severe hyperphagia associated with PWS has not been previously explored. Objective The aim was to compare BDNF concentrations in subjects with PWS and obese controls (OC) and lean controls (LC). Design and Setting We conducted a cross-sectional study at an outpatient clinical research center. Participants We studied 13 subjects with PWS [five males and eight females; mean ± sd: age, 11.0 ± 4.1 yr; body mass index (BMI)-Z, 2.05 ± 0.78], 13 OC (eight females, five males; age, 12.3 ± 2.7 yr; BMI-Z, 2.18 ± 0.61), and 13 LC (six females, seven males; age, 12.4 ± 2.6 yr; BMI-Z, −0.57 ± 0.73). Main Outcome Measure BDNF was measured in serum and plasma by ELISA. Analysis of covariance adjusted for age, sex, and BMI-Z. Results All groups were comparable for age (P = 0.50) and sex distribution (P = 0.49). BMI-Z was comparable between PWS and OC (P = 0.89) and lower in LC (P < 0.001). Adjusted serum BDNF was comparable (P = 0.35) in OC (mean ± sem: 13.5 ± 1.2 ng/ml) and LC (19.2 ± 1.3 ng/ml), but lower in PWS (8.3 ± 1.2 ng/ml; P = 0.01 vs. OC; P = 0.03 vs. LC). Adjusted plasma BDNF in PWS (217 ± 130 pg/ml) was lower than OC (422 ± 126 pg/ml; P = 0.02), but statistically comparable with LC (540 ± 143 pg/ml; P = 0.10). Conclusions Lower BDNF in PWS suggests insufficient central BDNF production because BDNF in peripheral circulation is believed to reflect cerebral BDNF output. Decreased BDNF may be a potential cause for the disordered satiety and morbid obesity associated with PWS. Further studies are needed to confirm this preliminary pilot study in a larger cohort of patients with PWS.

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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Children and Adolescents with Cirrhosis Due to Biliary Atresia

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1159/000447364 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 69 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Maria Inês A. Wilasco ◽

Carolina Uribe-Cruz ◽

Daniele Santetti ◽

Bianca Pfaffenseller ◽

Cristina T.L. Dornelles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Biliary Atresia ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Energy Homeostasis ◽

Standard Deviation Score ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Control Group ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Age Ratio

Background: The nutritional status in patients with cirrhosis is not so easy to assess properly. Considering the relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and energy homeostasis, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of BDNF in children and adolescents with cirrhosis due to biliary atresia (BA) and correlate it with their nutritional status. Methods: Fifty-three children and adolescents with cirrhosis due to BA and 33 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Nutritional status was evaluated using anthropometric parameters, and serum BDNF was measured by ELISA. Spearman coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between variables. Results: In the cirrhosis group, 28.8% were undernourished and in the control group, 100% were well-nourished. BDNF median values for the control and cirrhosis group were 28.5 and 9.0 pg/ml respectively. BDNF and platelets were positively associated with both Standard Deviation Score (SDS) for height-for-age ratio and SDS for triceps skinfold thickness-for-age ratio. Conclusions: Considering these associations, BDNF may be an indirect biomarker of nutritional status in children and adolescents with chronic liver disease. Further studies must be conducted to clarify the role of BDNF in this population.

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A Meta-Analysis of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Effects on Brain Volume in Schizophrenia: Genotype and Serum Levels

Neuropsychobiology ◽

10.1159/000514126 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-14

Author(s):

Anthony O. Ahmed ◽

Samantha Kramer ◽

Naama Hofman ◽

John Flynn ◽

Marie Hansen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Psychotic Disorders ◽

Brain Volume ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Volume Data ◽

Analytic Review ◽

Volume Measurements ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Serum Bdnf

Aim: The Val66Met single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the BDNF gene has established pleiotropic effects on schizophrenia incidence and morphologic alterations in the illness. The effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on brain volume measurements are however mixed seeming to be less established for most brain regions. The current meta-analytic review examined (1) the association of the Val66Met SNP and brain volume alterations in schizophrenia by comparing Met allele carriers to Val/Val homozygotes and (2) the association of serum BDNF with brain volume measurements. Method: Studies included in the meta-analyses were identified through an electronic search of PubMed and PsycInfo (via EBSCO) for English language publications from January 2000 through December 2017. Included studies had conducted a genotyping procedure of Val66Met or obtained assays of serum BDNF and obtained brain volume data in patients with psychotic disorders. Nonhuman studies were excluded. Results: Study 1 which included 52 comparisons of Met carriers and Val/Val homozygotes found evidence of lower right and left hippocampal volumes among Met allele carriers with schizophrenia. Frontal measurements, while also lower among Met carriers, did not achieve statistical significance. Study 2 which included 7 examinations of the correlation between serum BDNF and brain volume found significant associations between serum BDNF levels and right and left hippocampal volume with lower BDNF corresponding to lower volumes. Discussion: The meta-analyses provided evidence of associations between brain volume alterations in schizophrenia and variations on the Val66Met SNP and serum BDNF. Given the limited number of studies, it remains unclear if BDNF effects are global or regionally specific.

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The influence of vigorous aerobic exercise on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and estradiol in young, healthy women as a function of the menstrual cycle

10.31234/osf.io/hwegb ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Ahmad ◽

Rodney Hansen ◽

Matthew Schmolesky

Keyword(s):

Menstrual Cycle ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Cycle Exercise ◽

Acute Bout ◽

Healthy Women ◽

Exercise Induced ◽

Induced Changes ◽

Serum Bdnf

AbstractResearch suggests strong inter-relationships between physical exercise, levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), levels of estrogen, and the menstrual cycle, and yet no single study has examined these factors collectively in humans. The current study assessed the effect of an acute bout of vigorous aerobic exercise (20 minutes of stationary cycling at 80% of heart rate reserve) on serum BDNF and estradiol in healthy, eumenorrheic women, ages 18-28. In addition, this study determined whether basal BDNF or the exercise-induced increase in BDNF varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Thirty-four subjects were assigned to an experimental (n = 27) or control condition (n = 7). Exercise transiently increased both estradiol (51.2%) and BDNF (23.6%), and basal levels of BDNF and estradiol predicted the magnitude of the exercise-induced increases. Basal BDNF did not vary significantly throughout the menstrual cycle. Exercise-induced changes in BDNF did not correlate with menstrual cycle day or basal estradiol. Basal estradiol and basal BDNF showed a marginally significant positive correlation. Taken together, these results indicate that brief, vigorous aerobic exercise is sufficient to elevate both BDNF and estradiol in healthy women and that the menstrual cycle dramatically influences the magnitude of exercise-induced changes in estradiol, but not BDNF

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Serum Renalase Levels Are Predicted by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Associated with Cardiovascular Events and Mortality after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm7110437 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. 437 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

I-Te Lee ◽

Wayne Sheu

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Strong Predictor ◽

Coronary Intervention ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Percutaneous Coronary ◽

Before And After ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Serum Bdnf

Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) predicts survival rate in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We examined the relationship between BDNF and renalase before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the role of renalase in patients with CAD. Serum BDNF and renalase levels were determined using blood samples collected before and after PCI. Incident myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality were followed up longitudinally. A total of 152 patients completed the assessment. BDNF levels were not significantly changed after PCI compared to baseline levels (24.7 ± 11.0 vs. 23.5 ± 8.3 ng/mL, p = 0.175), although renalase levels were significantly reduced (47.5 ± 17.3 vs. 35.9 ± 11.3 ng/mL, p < 0.001). BDNF level before PCI was an independent predictor of reduction in renalase (95% confidence interval (CI): −1.371 to −0.319). During a median 4.1 years of follow-up, patients with serum renalase levels of ≥35 ng/mL had a higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death than those with renalase of <35 ng/mL (hazard ratio = 5.636, 95% CI: 1.444–21.998). In conclusion, our results show that serum BDNF levels before PCI were inversely correlated with the percentage change in renalase levels after PCI. Nevertheless, post-PCI renalase level was a strong predictor for myocardial infarction, stroke, and death.

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The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Functional Polymorphism and Hand Grip Strength Impact the Association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and Cognition in Older Adults in the United States

Biological Research For Nursing ◽

10.1177/10998004211065151 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 109980042110651

Author(s):

Tingting Liu ◽

Hongjin Li ◽

Yvette P. Conley ◽

Brian A. Primack ◽

Jing Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Decline ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Mental Status ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Hand Grip Strength ◽

Hand Grip ◽

Serum Bdnf

Introduction Aging is associated with subtle cognitive decline in attention, memory, executive function, processing speed, and reasoning. Although lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been linked to cognitive decline among older adults, it is not known if the association differs among individuals with various BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) genotypes. In addition, it is not clear whether these associations vary by hand grip strength or physical activity (PA). Methods A total of 2904 older adults were included in this study using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Associations between serum BDNF and measures of cognitive function were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models stratified by Met allele status. PA and hand grip strength were added to the model to evaluate whether including these variables altered associations between serum BDNF and cognition. Results Mean age was 71.4 years old, and mean body mass index was 28.3 kg/m2. Serum BDNF levels were positively associated with higher total cognitive score (beta = 0.34, p = .07), mental status (beta = 0.16, p = .07), and word recall (beta = 0.22, p =.04) among Met carriers, while serum BDNF levels were negatively associated with mental status (beta = −0.09, p = .07) among non-Met carriers. Furthermore, associations changed when hand grip strength was added to the model but not when PA was added to the model. Conclusions The BDNF Val66Met variant may moderate the association between serum BDNF levels and cognitive function in older adults. Furthermore, such associations differ according to hand grip strength but not PA.

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

Journal of Concussion ◽

10.1177/2059700219894108 ◽

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.

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Interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor responses to the Mat Pilates training in women with multiple sclerosis

Scientia Medica ◽

10.15448/1980-6108.2018.4.31668 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 31668

Author(s):

Elham Eftekhari ◽

Masoud Etemadifar

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Training Group ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

P Value ◽

Before And After

AIMS: To determine the effect of Mat Pilates on serum levels of interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in women with multiple sclerosis.METHODS: Thirty women with multiple sclerosis with mild to moderate disability were recruited and randomly divided into equal Pilates training and Control groups. Patients in the training group accomplished a Pilates program three times a week for eight weeks. The Control group maintained their routine lifestyle. The serum level of interleukin-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured before and after the protocol. The differences between groups were assessed by using analysis of covariance test to compare post-tests by considering covariate pre-tests (assuming a p-value <0.05 as significant).RESULTS: There were no significant changes in interleukin-10 (13.09±5.36 ng/ml in the Pilates training group compared to 13.21±4.76 ng/ml in the Control group, p= 0.81), whereas an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor was observed after eight-week Pilates training (11550.14±2619.60 ng/ml in the Pilates training group compared to 9664.35±3161.66 ng/ml in the Control group, p= 0.03).CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the intensity and duration of this protocol was not related to significant changes in interleukin-10, but was followed by an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor in these patients. Based on this finding, physical activity according to the individual’s ability is recommended for patients with multiple sclerosis, in parallel with drug therapy.

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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Quetiapine Treated First-Episode Psychosis

Schizophrenia Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2014/719395 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Brendan P. Murphy ◽

Terence Y. Pang ◽

Anthony J. Hannan ◽

Tina-Marie Proffitt ◽

Mirabel McConchie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽

First Episode Psychosis ◽

First Episode ◽

Vascular Endothelial ◽

Episode Psychosis ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor ◽

Serum Bdnf

Objective. It has been suggested that atypical antipsychotics confer their effects via brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We investigated the effect of quetiapine on serum levels of BDNF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in drug-naive first-episode psychosis subjects.Methods. Fifteen patients drawn from a larger study received quetiapine treatment for twelve weeks. Baseline levels of serum BDNF and VEGF were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls and to levels following treatment. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship of BDNF and VEGF levels with outcome measures at baseline and week 12.Results. The mean serum BDNF level was significantly higher at week 12 compared to baseline and correlated with reductions in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and general psychopathology scores. Changes in serum VEGF levels also correlated significantly with a reduction in BPRS scores, a significant improvement in PANNS positive symptoms scores, and displayed a positive relationship with changes in BDNF levels.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that BDNF and VEGF are potential biomarkers for gauging improvement of psychotic symptoms. This suggests a novel neurotrophic-based mechanism of the drug effects of quetiapine on psychosis. This is the first report of VEGF perturbation in psychosis.

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