1
|
Sultania A, Venkatesan S, Batra DR, Rajesh K, Vashishth R, Ravi S, Ahmad F. Potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for obsessive compulsive disorder: Evidences from clinical studies. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2024; 34:010503. [PMID: 38125619 PMCID: PMC10731732 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2024.010503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent behavioral disorder with a complex etiology. However, the underlying pathogenic molecular pathways and the associated risk factors are largely obscure. This has hindered both the identification of relevant prognostic biomarkers and the development of effective treatment strategies. Because of the diverse range of clinical manifestations, not all patients benefit from therapies currently practiced in the clinical setting. Nevertheless, several lines of evidence indicate that neurotrophic, neurotransmitter, and oxidative signaling are involved in the pathophysiology of OCD. Based upon evidences from clinical (and pre-clinical studies), the present review paper sets out to decipher the utilities of three parameters (i.e. brain-derived neurotrophic factor; BDNF, noradrenalin-synthesizing enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase; DBH; and oxidative damage marker malondialdehyde; MDA) as diagnostic peripheral biomarkers as well as bio-targets for therapeutic strategies. While the data indicates promising results, there is necessitation for future studies to further confirm and establish these. Further, based again on the available clinical data, we investigated the possibilities of exploiting the etiological links between disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle and insulin signaling, and OCD for the identification of potential anti-OCD ameliorative agents with the ability to elicit multimodal effects, including attenuation of the alterations in BDNF, noradrenergic and redox pathways. In this respect, agomelatine and metformin may represent particularly interesting candidates; however, further clinical studies are warranted to establish these as singular or complementary medications in OCD subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarushi Sultania
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shashank Venkatesan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhruv Rishb Batra
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Keerthna Rajesh
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rahul Vashishth
- Department of Biosciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sudesh Ravi
- Department of Biosciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crawford CA, Williams MK, Shell AL, MacDonald KL, Considine RV, Wu W, Rand KL, Stewart JC. Effect of modernized collaborative care for depression on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and depressive symptom clusters: Data from the eIMPACT trial. Psychiatry Res 2023; 330:115581. [PMID: 37931480 PMCID: PMC10842310 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are lower in people with depression and are normalized following pharmacological treatment. However, it is unknown if psychological treatments for depression improve BDNF and if change in BDNF is a mediator of intervention effects on depressive symptoms. Therefore, using data from the eIMPACT trial, we sought to determine the effect of modernized collaborative care for depression on 12-month changes in BDNF and cognitive/affective and somatic depressive symptom clusters and to examine whether BDNF changes mediate intervention effects on depressive symptoms. 216 primary care patients with depression from a safety net healthcare system were randomized to 12 months of the eIMPACT intervention (internet cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT], telephonic CBT, and select antidepressant medications) or usual primary care. Plasma BDNF was measured with commercially available kits, and depressive symptom clusters were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The intervention did not influence BDNF but did improve both the cognitive/affective and somatic clusters over 12 months. Changes in BDNF did not mediate the intervention effect on either cluster. Our findings suggest that modernized collaborative care is an effective treatment for both the cognitive/affective and somatic symptoms of depression and that the mechanism of action is not improvements in BDNF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02458690.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Crawford
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD 100E, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Michelle K Williams
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD 100E, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Aubrey L Shell
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD 100E, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Krysha L MacDonald
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD 100E, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Robert V Considine
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD 100E, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kevin L Rand
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD 100E, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jesse C Stewart
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD 100E, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Castillo-Navarrete JL, Bustos C, Guzman-Castillo A, Vicente B. Increased academic stress is associated with decreased plasma BDNF in Chilean college students. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16357. [PMID: 37941931 PMCID: PMC10629390 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Academic stress (AS) is a prevalent challenge faced by university students, potentially affecting molecular indicators such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and global DNA methylation (G-DNA-M). These indicators could illuminate the physiological ramifications of academic stress. Study Design and Methods This research followed a quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal panel design spanning two academic semesters, observing phenomena in their natural context. Students from the Medical Technology program at Universidad de Concepción, Chile were involved, with assessments at the beginning and during heightened academic stress periods. Sample Of the total participants, 63.0% were females, with an average age of 21.14 years at baseline, and 36.92% were males, averaging 21.36 years. By the study's conclusion, female participants averaged 21.95 years, and males 22.13 years. Results Significant differences were observed between initial and final assessments for the SISCO-II Inventory of Academic Stress and Beck Depression Inventory-II, notably in stressor scores, and physical, and psychological reactions. Gender differences emerged in the final physical and psychological reactions. No significant changes were detected between the two assessments in plasma BDNF or G-DNA-M values. A refined predictive model showcased that, on average, there was a 3.56% decrease in females' plasma BDNF at the final assessment and a 17.14% decrease in males. In the sample, the G-DNA-M percentage at the final assessment increased by 15.06% from the baseline for females and 18.96% for males. Conclusions The study underscores the physiological impact of academic stress on university students, evidenced by changes in markers like BDNF and G-DNA-M. These findings offer an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanisms regulating academic stress responses and highlight the need for interventions tailored to mitigate its physiological and psychological effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Luis Castillo-Navarrete
- Departamento Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- PhD Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Claudio Bustos
- PhD Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Concepción, Chile, Chile
| | - Alejandra Guzman-Castillo
- PhD Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Benjamin Vicente
- PhD Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Castillo-Navarrete JL, Guzmán-Castillo A, Bustos C, Rojas R. Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and salivary cortisol levels in college students with different levels of academic stress. Study protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282007. [PMID: 36812175 PMCID: PMC9946253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for brain physiological processes influencing memory and learning. BDNF levels can be affected by many factors, including stress. Stress increase serum and salivary cortisol levels. Academic stress is of the chronic type. BDNF levels can be measure from serum, plasma or platelets, and there is still no standard methodology, which is relevant to ensure reproducibility and comparability between studies. HYPOTHESIS (i) BDNF concentrations in serum show greater variability than in plasma. (ii) In college students with academic stress, peripheral BDNF decreases and salivary cortisol increases. GENERAL OBJECTIVE To standardize plasma and serum collection for BDNF levels and to determine whether academic stress affects peripheral BDNF and salivary cortisol levels. DESIGN Quantitative research, with a non-experimental cross-sectional descriptive design. PARTICIPANTS Student volunteers. Under convenience sampling, 20 individuals will be included for standardization of plasma and serum collection and between 70 and 80 individuals to determine the effect of academic stress on BDNF and salivary cortisol. PERIPHERAL BLOOD AND SALIVARY CORTISOL SAMPLING, MEASUREMENTS 12 mL of peripheral blood (with and without anticoagulant) will be drawn per participant, separated from plasma or serum and cryopreserved at -80°C. Additionally, they will be instructed in the collection of 1 mL of saliva samples, which will be centrifuged. Val66Met polymorphism will be performed by allele-specific PCR, while BDNF and salivary cortisol levels will be determined by ELISA. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS (i) descriptive analysis of the variables, through measures of central tendency and dispersion, and the categorical variables through their frequency and percentage. (ii) Then a bivariate analysis will be performed comparing groups using each variable separately. EXPECTED RESULTS We expect to (i) determine the analytical factors that allow a better reproducibility in the measurement of peripheral BDNF, and (ii) the effect of academic stress on BDNF and salivary cortisol levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Luis Castillo-Navarrete
- Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM (http://nepsam.udec.cl), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- * E-mail: (JLCN); (AGC)
| | - Alejandra Guzmán-Castillo
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM (http://nepsam.udec.cl), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- * E-mail: (JLCN); (AGC)
| | - Claudio Bustos
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM (http://nepsam.udec.cl), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Romina Rojas
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM (http://nepsam.udec.cl), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu Y, Du X, Yang R, Yue Y, Peng R, Wu S, Wang H, Zhou Y, Fang X, Yuan N, Li R, Zhang J, Zou S, Zhao X, Lyu X, Li Z, Zhang X, Zhang X. Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Patients With First-Episode and Drug-Naïve Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:911384. [PMID: 35757201 PMCID: PMC9218218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.911384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are inversely associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. In addition, serum BDNF levels tend to increase with improvement in depressive symptoms. There is also evidence that BDNF has a possible role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether BDNF levels correlated with depressive symptoms in patients with first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia. In this study, 90 patients with FEDN schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls were recruited. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) were used to gage psychopathological and depressive symptoms, respectively. All participants had their BDNF levels measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent test. Serum BDNF levels were lower in patients with FEDN schizophrenia compared with healthy controls. Moreover, patients with depressive symptoms exhibited a higher PANSS total score and a higher general psychopathology score than those without depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). For patients with depressive symptoms, serum BDNF levels were higher than in those without depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). An association between BDNF levels and the positive subscore was also observed (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant association between BDNF levels and HAMD scores (p > 0.05). In conclusion, BDNF levels were shown to be higher in the serum of patients with FEDN schizophrenia with depressive symptoms than in those without. Additionally, low levels of serum BDNF may contribute to the positive symptoms of FEDN schizophrenia but not to depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Wu
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Du
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruchang Yang
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan Yue
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Peng
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Siqi Wu
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaojia Fang
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Nian Yuan
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ronghua Li
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Siyun Zou
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueli Zhao
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Lyu
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaobin Zhang
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carniel BP, da Rocha NS. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory markers: Perspectives for the management of depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 108:110151. [PMID: 33096156 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder, are among the main causes of disability and early mortality and constitute an important public health problem. Despite the search for a neurobiological explanation for these disorders, diagnosis and treatment are still based on subjective symptoms and psychometric assessments. Biomarkers, used as indicators of normal biological and pathological processes or pharmacological responses to a clinical intervention, may be useful in improving the current classification of psychiatric disorders, which can help understand the role of biological information in diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of responses to intervention. OBJECTIVES This review aims to analyze the existing literature on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and inflammatory markers related to depression and to assess the advances and perspectives of their applicability in the diagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of responses to intervention in order to understand the importance of these biomarkers for the management of depression. RESULTS Evidence shows that BDNF is an important biomarker for the pathogenesis of depression; reduced levels are linked to reduced synaptic plasticity and neuronal atrophy, while elevated levels are associated with survival and neuronal differentiation, which is compatible with the neurogenic hypothesis of depression. Although the use of this biomarker is not yet established, literature shows that the concentration of BDNF is a useful measure for the differentiation between healthy and depressed individuals. Based on the inflammatory theory of depression, studies have found higher levels of inflammation in depressed individuals when compared to healthy ones, as well as an association between chronic inflammation and depressive symptoms. Studies have also found anti-inflammatory agents with anti-depressant effects. Markers such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα, and C-reactive protein (CRP) are potential markers of depression, but the role of cytokines in human brain activity is still insufficiently established. CONCLUSIONS Despite the large number of potential biological markers not yet fully established in the pathophysiology of depression, which is a challenge for psychobiology, it is clear that the concentrations of these substances are altered in psychiatric diagnoses related to the disease activity. Thus, although more research is needed, the current body of knowledge on biomarkers allows us to predict their use in the management of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Perosa Carniel
- Psychiatry Service, Center for Clinical and Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde da Porto Alegre, Brazil; I-QOL: Interventions and Innovations for Quality of Life Research Group, Brazil.
| | - Neusa Sica da Rocha
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Psychiatry Service, Center for Clinical and Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Brazil; I-QOL: Interventions and Innovations for Quality of Life Research Group, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liou KT, Garland SN, Li QS, Sadeghi K, Green J, Autuori I, Orlow I, Mao JJ. Effects of acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cancer survivors with insomnia: an exploratory analysis. Acupunct Med 2021; 39:637-645. [PMID: 33752446 DOI: 10.1177/0964528421999395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with poor sleep. This study examined the effects of acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) on serum BDNF and sleep outcomes in cancer survivors with insomnia. METHODS This was an exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial (n = 160) comparing acupuncture versus CBT-I for cancer survivors with insomnia. Interventions were delivered over 8 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and week 8. Serum BDNF was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sleep was evaluated with the insomnia severity index and consensus sleep diary. Pearson correlations between BDNF and sleep outcomes were calculated. Data analysis was limited to 87 survivors who provided serum samples. RESULTS Among 87 survivors, the mean age was 61.9 (SD: 11.4) years, 51.7% were women, and 24.1% were non-White. Mean serum BDNF did not significantly increase in acupuncture (n = 50) or CBT-I (n = 37) groups. When analysis was restricted to patients with low baseline BDNF (i.e. levels below the sample median of 47.1 ng/mL), the acupuncture group (n = 22) demonstrated a significant 7.2 ng/mL increase in mean serum BDNF (P = 0.03), whereas the CBT-I group (n = 21) demonstrated a non-significant 2.9 ng/mL increase (P = 0.28). Serum BDNF was not significantly correlated with sleep outcomes (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Among cancer survivors with insomnia and low baseline BDNF, acupuncture significantly increased serum BDNF levels; however, the clinical significance of this finding requires further investigation.Trial registration no. NCT02356575 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Liou
- Integrative Medicine Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Sheila N Garland
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Q Susan Li
- Integrative Medicine Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Keimya Sadeghi
- Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Jamie Green
- Integrative Medicine Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Isidora Autuori
- Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Irene Orlow
- Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Jun J Mao
- Integrative Medicine Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Analysis of blood mature BDNF and proBDNF in mood disorders with specific ELISA assays. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 133:166-173. [PMID: 33341455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that blood BDNF levels in mood disorders were reduced. However, little is known about the changes of BDNF and its precursor proBDNF in lymphocytes. In addition, earlier studies using commercial ELISA kits cannot distinguish mature BDNF from proBDNF. We aimed to investigate the change of mBDNF and proBDNF levels in the peripheral blood and their diagnostic value in the mood disorders using a specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Serum mBDNF levels were significantly decreased in major depressive disorder (MDD) (n = 90) and bipolar disorder (BD) (n = 15) groups (P < 0.0001), whereas there was no significant change in suicidal group (n = 14) compared to the control group (n = 96). In the subgroups of MDD, the serum mBDNF level in MDD patients with severe symptoms was significantly lower than that with moderate symptoms (P < 0.05). The serum mBDNF levels in antidepressant-free patients were significantly lower than in antidepressant-treated patients (P < 0.01). Serum mBDNF yielded good diagnostic effectiveness for MDD and BD with sensitivity and specificity around 80-83%. The levels of mBDNF, proBDNF and its receptor sortilin were upregulated in lymphocytes of MDD patients relative to control subjects. Specific ELISA assays for mature BDNF confirmed the reduction of serum mBDNF level in MDD and BD. The measurement of mBDNF level could be a potential diagnostic marker with a cut-off point at 12.4 ng/ml. Upregulations of proBDNF and mBDNF in lymphocytes of MDD patients might be considered as novel pathological biomarkers for MDD.
Collapse
|
9
|
de Almeida RN, Galvão ACDM, da Silva FS, Silva EADS, Palhano-Fontes F, Maia-de-Oliveira JP, de Araújo LSB, Lobão-Soares B, Galvão-Coelho NL. Modulation of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor by a Single Dose of Ayahuasca: Observation From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1234. [PMID: 31231276 PMCID: PMC6558429 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are emerging as potential antidepressant therapeutic tools, as suggested in a recent randomized controlled trial with ayahuasca for treatment-resistant depression. Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels increase after treatment with serotoninergic antidepressants, but the exact role of BDNF as a biomarker for diagnostic and treatment of major depression is still poorly understood. Here we investigated serum BDNF levels in healthy controls (N = 45) and patients with treatment-resistant depression (N = 28) before (baseline) and 48 h after (D2) a single dose of ayahuasca or placebo. In our sample, baseline serum BDNF levels did not predict major depression and the clinical characteristics of the patients did not predict their BDNF levels. However, at baseline, serum cortisol was a predictor of serum BDNF levels, where lower levels of serum BDNF were detected in a subgroup of subjects with hypocortisolemia. Moreover, at baseline we found a negative correlation between BDNF and serum cortisol in volunteers with eucortisolemia. After treatment (D2) we observed higher BDNF levels in both patients and controls that ingested ayahuasca (N = 35) when compared to placebo (N = 34). Furthermore, at D2 just patients treated with ayahuasca (N = 14), and not with placebo (N = 14), presented a significant negative correlation between serum BDNF levels and depressive symptoms. This is the first double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial that explored the modulation of BDNF in response to a psychedelic in patients with depression. The results suggest a potential link between the observed antidepressant effects of ayahuasca and changes in serum BDNF, which contributes to the emerging view of using psychedelics as an antidepressant. This trial is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02914769).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raíssa Nóbrega de Almeida
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ana Cecília de Menezes Galvão
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Flávia Santos da Silva
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Erick Allan dos Santos Silva
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Palhano-Fontes
- Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Maia-de-Oliveira
- Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Natal, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lobão-Soares Barros de Araújo
- Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lobão-Soares
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Natal, Brazil
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Nicole Leite Galvão-Coelho
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Natal, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ceasing exercise induces depression-like, anxiety-like, and impaired cognitive-like behaviours and altered hippocampal gene expression. Brain Res Bull 2019; 148:118-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
11
|
Luo HY, Rahman M, Bobrovskaya L, Zhou XF. The Level of proBDNF in Blood Lymphocytes Is Correlated with that in the Brain of Rats with Photothrombotic Ischemic Stroke. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:49-57. [PMID: 30919307 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00022-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is accompanied by severe inflammation in the brain. The role of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) in ischemic stroke has received intensive attention, but the function of its precursor proBDNF is less understood. Recent studies showed that mBDNF and proBDNF in the ischemic brain are upregulated, but the significance of mBDNF and proBDNF in the lymphocytes in ischemic stroke is not known. Here, we propose that the expression levels of mBDNF and proBDNF in lymphocytes correlate with those in the brain after ischemic stroke and therefore can be surrogate markers for the ischemic brain. Using a photothrombotic model in rats and ELISA assay technique, we found that proBDNF and mBDNF in peripheral lymphocytes were upregulated but produced differential time courses after ischemia. The levels of mBDNF and proBDNF in lymphocytes at early stages of stroke (1 day), showed a strong positive correlation with those in the brain. The levels of p75, sortilin, were also increased in a time-dependent manner after ischemic stroke; however, the levels of p-TrkB in the ischemic brain at 6 h, 1 and 3 days were significantly reduced in the brain. The present study suggests that the levels of proBDNF and mBDNF in the blood lymphocytes in acute ischemic stroke reflect those in the brain at early stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yun Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China. .,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Mehreen Rahman
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Primo de Carvalho Alves L, Sica da Rocha N. Lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor are associated with melancholic psychomotor retardation among depressed inpatients. Bipolar Disord 2018. [PMID: 29516593 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Melancholic depression is a type of depression which is closely related to biological variables than are other types of depression. Its clinical features can be assessed using six items on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D6 ). Previous studies have shown, using item response theory, that the symptom depressed mood is the least severe melancholic feature; work and activities, somatic symptoms and psychic anxiety are of moderate severity; and feelings of guilt and psychomotor retardation are the most severe. We aimed to evaluate whether the more severe melancholic signs or symptoms were associated with decreases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. METHODS A total of 151 severely depressed inpatients had their BDNF levels analyzed by comparing those who presented with each HAM-D6 melancholic feature to those for whom the HAM-D6 feature was absent, using multiple linear regressions. The levels of BDNF of patients who presented with each melancholic feature were also compared with those of 100 healthy controls. RESULTS Depressed patients' median BDNF level was 44.06 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 33.99-62.4 ng/mL), and controls' median BDNF level was 65.22 ng/mL (IQR: 49.87-76.08 ng/mL) (P < .001). The presence of depressed mood, work and activities, somatic symptoms, psychic anxiety, and guilty feelings was not associated with BDNF levels. However, the presence of psychomotor retardation was associated with reduced BDNF (median reduction -10.07 ng/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -19.43 to -0.71; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to associate BDNF levels with melancholic features in a sample of severely depressed inpatients. The main finding of this study was that severely depressed inpatients who presented the most severe melancholic feature, psychomotor retardation, had significantly reduced BDNF levels in the blood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Primo de Carvalho Alves
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Neusa Sica da Rocha
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dandekar MP, Peng T, McPherson DD, Quevedo J, Soares JC, Huang SL. Intravenous infusion of xenon-containing liposomes generates rapid antidepressant-like effects. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:140-149. [PMID: 29559371 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Similar to ketamine, xenon gas acts as a glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, but devoid of propensity to cause untoward effects. Herein, we loaded xenon gas into a liposomal carrier called xenon-containing liposomes (Xe-liposome) for systemic delivery, and investigated its effect as an antidepressant and also analyzed synaptic biomarkers including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) in blood and brain. METHODS Xe-liposomes (15 μl/mg) were prepared by a pressurized freeze-thaw method, and injected via the lateral tail vein (0.6 mL/rat) in male Wistar rats. The uncaging of xenon gas from circulating Xe-liposome was facilitated by continuous ultrasound application externally on the neck over the internal common carotid artery. One-hour after Xe-liposome infusion, animals were assessed for depression-like behaviors using a forced swimming test (FST), and spontaneous locomotor activity. Blood, as well as frontal cortex and hippocampal samples were obtained for immunoblotting and/or enzyme-linked immune sorbent assays. RESULTS Acute intravenous infusion of Xe-liposome, at 6 mg/kg, showed an increase in swimming time in the FST (p < 0.006), indicating antidepressant-like phenotypes. Higher doses of Xe-liposomes (9 mg/kg) failed to improve swimming duration. This behavioral discrepancy was not associated with locomotion aberrations, as gross activity of rats remained similar for both doses. In biochemical analyses of frontal cortex, protein levels of BDNF increased by 64%, and enhanced phosphorylation of AKT (43%) and mTOR (93%) was observed at the 6 mg/kg dose level of Xe-liposomes, while these biomarkers and phosphorylated PKC and ERK1/2 levels remained unchanged at the higher dose. Moreover, Xe-liposomal treatment did not change the plasma and protein levels of BDNF, and phosphorylated AKT, mTOR, PKC and ERK1/2 hippocampal expressions. CONCLUSION Xe-liposomes mediate a rapid antidepressant-like effect through activation of AKT/mTOR/BDNF signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manoj P Dandekar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - David D McPherson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, USA; Memorial Hermann Heart and Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center, USA
| | - Joao Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jair C Soares
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shao-Ling Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Illness severity and biomarkers in depression: Using a unidimensional rating scale to examine BDNF. Compr Psychiatry 2017; 75:46-52. [PMID: 28301802 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have reported reduced peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in major depression (MD). However, most of these studies used multidimensional depression rating scales, and failed to identify a relationship between BDNF levels and depression severity. Unidimensional scales are a more valid measure of syndrome severity. In these scales, items are ordered in increasing severity, so that as scores increase, syndrome severity increases; thus, each item adds unique information, and items can be totaled to a meaningful sum. The current study used the HAM-D6, a unidimensional measure of depression, to examine if it could identify a correlation between serum BDNF and depression severity. METHODS Serum BDNF levels and symptom severity were assessed in 163 depressed patients, including those with both unipolar (84.0%) and bipolar (16.0%) depression. The evaluation of depression severity included the total HAM-D17 and 3 subscales, including the HAM-D6. RESULTS On average, patients presented moderate to severe depression (HAM-D17=21.2±5.5). Overall BDNF levels were 60.4±22.6ng/mL. The correlation between serum BDNF and depression severity was modest and not different when assessed by the HAM-D6 subscale or the HAM-D17 as a whole (z=0.951; p=0.341), despite being statistically significant for the HAM-D6 (r=-0.185; p=0.019; 95% CI: -0.335 to -0.033), but not for the entire HAM-D17 (r=-0.127; p=0.108; 95% CI: -0.272 to 0.027). CONCLUSION We could not identify a strong relationship between serum BDNF levels and depression severity using the HAM-D6. This is in concordance with results of previous studies that reported no correlation between these variables, and indicates that the properties of the clinical measures used cannot explain the results these studies.
Collapse
|
15
|
Dihydroxyphenylglycol as a Biomarker of Norepinephrine Transporter Inhibition by Atomoxetine: Human Model to Assess Central and Peripheral Effects of Dosing. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2016; 36:675-683. [PMID: 27755221 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
To assess the primary metabolite of norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), as a sensitive biomarker for norepinephrine transporter (NET) function and the relationship of DHPG measured peripherally and centrally, NET was antagonized with 80 mg/d atomoxetine for 18 days. Twelve healthy subjects were treated with atomoxetine in an open-label, multiple-dose exploratory study. Plasma atomoxetine reached steady state by day 6, and the pharmacokinetic results demonstrated availability of atomoxetine to the central nervous system. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/plasma ratios of atomoxetine based on area under concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours postdose (AUC0-12), maximum concentration (Cmax), and predose were 0.3%, 0.2%, and 11%, respectively. Plasma from atomoxetine-treated subjects (ex vivo) significantly inhibited radioligand binding to human NET (P < 0.001) only 1 hour after dosing. Plasma DHPG and DHPG/norepinephrine (ratio) during repeated posture tests were reduced significantly (P < 0.001) on day 5 and stayed significantly reduced up to 1 day after treatment. In CSF, both DHPG and the ratio were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) on day 18. Urine results showed significant decreases for both DHPG and the ratio (P = 0.010 to P < 0.001). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in CSF was lesser than the limits of detection. The findings suggest that NET blockade can be assessed with DHPG concentration or with the ratio in plasma, CSF, and urine. The data suggest that DHPG is a useful biomarker to proactively assess the pharmacological activity of compounds intended to inhibit NET activity within the brain. The study shows that CSF is a medium for early identification and quantification of biomarkers useful in assessing novel neuroscience targets.
Collapse
|
16
|
Nuernberg GL, Aguiar B, Bristot G, Fleck MP, Rocha NS. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor increase during treatment in severe mental illness inpatients. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e985. [PMID: 27959329 PMCID: PMC5290335 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Meta-analytical evidence suggests that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is altered in various psychiatric disorders. However, meta-analyses may be hampered by the heterogeneity of BDNF assays, lack of BDNF standard values and heterogeneity among the populations included in the studies. To address these issues, our study aimed to test, in a 'true-to-life' setting, the hypothesis that the serum BDNF level is nonspecifically reduced in acute severe mental illness (SMI) patients and increases during inpatient treatment. Consecutive samples of 236 inpatients with SMI and 100 healthy controls were recruited. SMI includes schizophrenia and severe mood disorders, and is characterized in the sample by the presence of at least 2 years of psychiatric treatment and disability. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze BDNF serum levels at admission and upon discharge controlled by confounding factors. BDNF levels increased significantly between admission and discharge in SMI patients. BDNF levels showed significant reductions compared with controls both at admission and upon discharge. In addition, BDNF levels showed no difference among SMI patient diagnostic subgroups (unipolar depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia and manic episode). The increase but non-restoration of BDNF levels, even with the general acute improvement of clinical scores, may reflect the progression of the disorder characteristically seen in these patients. BDNF levels could be considered as a marker for the presence of a nonspecific psychiatric disorder and possibly a transdiagnostic and nonspecific marker of disease activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G L Nuernberg
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil,Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenue Ramiro Barcellos, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90035-903, Brazil. E-mail:
| | - B Aguiar
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - G Bristot
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - M P Fleck
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - N S Rocha
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Santos GL, Alcântara CC, Silva-Couto MA, García-Salazar LF, Russo TL. Decreased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Concentrations in Chronic Post-Stroke Subjects. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2016; 25:2968-2974. [PMID: 27593096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in sensorimotor recovery after a stroke. However, few studies have assessed the circulating BDNF levels in post-stroke humans to understand its changes. This study was conducted to measure BDNF serum concentrations in subjects with chronic hemiparesis, as well as to correlate serum concentrations with age, post-stroke time, total score of Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL), mobility subscale score, and motor function of SS-QOL. METHODS Seventeen chronic post-stroke subjects matched by age and gender with healthy controls took part in the study. Personal data (age, hemiparesis side, and post-stroke time) were collected, and a physical examination (weight, height, body mass index) and SS-QOL assessment were carried out. On the same day, after the initial evaluation, venous blood samples were collected from the chronic post-stroke subjects and the healthy subjects. The BDNF serum concentrations were measured blindly by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Subjects with chronic hemiparesis presented a decrease in BDNF serum compared with healthy subjects (P < .01). There was no correlation between BDNF serum levels with post-stroke time, age or quality of life, mobility, and the upper extremity motor function (P > .05). BDNF concentrations are related to structural and functional recovery after stroke; thus, this reduction is important to understand the rehabilitation process more clearly. However, more studies are needed considering the genetic variations and other tools to assess motor impairment and functional independence. CONCLUSION Chronic post-stroke subjects presented a decrease in BDNF serum concentrations, without a correlation with post-stroke time, age, and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Lopes Santos
- Laboratory of Neurological Physical Therapy Research, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Carmona Alcântara
- Laboratory of Neurological Physical Therapy Research, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Abreu Silva-Couto
- Laboratory of Neurological Physical Therapy Research, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Luisa Fernanda García-Salazar
- Laboratory of Neurological Physical Therapy Research, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Luiz Russo
- Laboratory of Neurological Physical Therapy Research, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Afarid M, Torabi-Nami M, Nemati A, Khosravi A, Malekzadeh M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration. Int J Ophthalmol 2015; 8:991-5. [PMID: 26558215 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2015.05.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the serum level of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy control subjects. The disruption in the tight balance of neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective processes in an immune-privileged site like retina is proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. One of the main neuroprotective mediators in the central nervous system is BDNF with its serum level notably affected in several neurodegenerative disorders. METHODS Thirty-six patients with AMD and 36 age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. The serum level of BDNF was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results were analyzed to compare case and control values. Comparisons were also made between the BDNF level of wet- vs dry-AMD, and male vs female patients and controls. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS The mean BDNF levels in AMD group were significantly higher than the control group. Furthermore, our analysis revealed greater BDNF values in all AMD subgroups compared to controls (P=0.004, 0.005, 0.001 and 0.02 for male wet-AMD, male dry-AMD, female wet-AMD and female dry-AMD vs controls, respectively). The BDNF level however did not vary between wet- and dry-AMD patients (P=0.74). While within-group comparisons in males and females of AMD and control groups did not show any difference in BDNF (P=0.16, 0.64 and 0.85 for wet-AMD, dry-AMD and control groups, respectively), between-group data showed a higher mean BDNF in both male and female AMD subjects than their peer controls. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the serum BDNF level is different in patients with AMD as compared to subjects without AMD. Future attempts should be done to unravel beneficial or deleterious effect of this neurotrophin in the pathogenesis of AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Afarid
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Eye Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mohammad Torabi-Nami
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Alijan Nemati
- Poostchi Eye Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Amir Khosravi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Poostchi Eye Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mahyar Malekzadeh
- Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sethi S, Brietzke E. Omics-Based Biomarkers: Application of Metabolomics in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 19:pyv096. [PMID: 26453695 PMCID: PMC4815467 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major concerns of modern society is to identify putative biomarkers that serve as a valuable early diagnostic tool to identify a subset of patients with increased risk to develop neuropsychiatric disorders. Biomarker identification in neuropsychiatric disorders is proposed to offer a number of important benefits to patient well-being, including prediction of forthcoming disease, diagnostic precision, and a level of disease description that would guide treatment choice. Nowadays, the metabolomics approach has unlocked new possibilities in diagnostics of devastating disorders like neuropsychiatric disorders. Metabolomics-based technologies have the potential to map early biochemical changes in disease and hence provide an opportunity to develop predictive biomarkers that can be used as indicators of pathological abnormalities prior to development of clinical symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders. This review highlights different -omics strategies for biomarker discovery in neuropsychiatric disorders. We also highlight initial outcomes from metabolomics studies in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addictive disorders. This review will also present issues and challenges regarding the implementation of the metabolomics approach as a routine diagnostic tool in the clinical laboratory in context with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisa Brietzke
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience (LiNC), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Grados M, Sung HM, Kim S, Srivastava S. Genetic findings in obsessive-compulsive disorder connect to brain-derived neutrophic factor and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways: implications for drug development. Drug Dev Res 2015; 75:372-83. [PMID: 25195581 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Traditional pharmacological approaches to the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are based on affecting serotonergic and dopaminergic transmission in the central nervous system. However, genetic epidemiology findings are pointing to glutamate pathways and developmental genes as etiological in OCD. A review of recent genetic findings in OCD is conducted, and bioinformatics approaches are used to locate pathways relevant to neuroprotection. The OCD susceptibility genes DLGAP1, RYR3, PBX1-MEIS2, LMX1A and candidate genes BDNF and GRIN2B are components of the neuronal growth, differentiation and neurogenesis pathways BDNF-mTOR. These pathways are emerging as a promising area of research for the development of neuroprotective pharmaceuticals. Emergent genetic epidemiologic data on OCD and repetitive behaviors may support new approaches for pharmacological discovery. Neuroprotective approaches that take into consideration glutamate-mediated BDNF-mTOR pathways are suggested by OCD susceptibility genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Grados
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St.-12th floor, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lim Y, Zhong JH, Zhou XF. Development of mature BDNF-specific sandwich ELISA. J Neurochem 2015; 134:75-85. [PMID: 25824396 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) plays a vital role in the nervous system, whereas proBDNF elicits neurodegeneration and neuronal apoptosis. Although current enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been widely used to measure BDNF levels, it cannot differentiate mBDNF from proBDNF. As the function of proBDNF differs from mBDNF, it is necessary to establish an ELISA assay specific for the detection of mBDNF. Therefore, we aimed to establish a new mBDNF-specific sandwich ELISA. In this study, we have screened and found a combination of antibodies for a sandwich ELISA. A monoclonal antibody and sheep anti-BDNF were chosen as capture and detection antibody for sandwich ELISA respectively. The new ELISA showed no cross-reactivity to human recombinant NT-3, NT-4, nerve growth factor and negligible cross-reactivity (0.99-4.99%) for proBDNF compared to commercial ELISA kits (33.18-91.09%). The application of the new mBDNF ELISA was shown through the measurement of mBDNF levels in different brain regions of rats and in the brain of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)(-/-) and WT mice and compared to western blot. Overall, this new ELISA will be useful for the measurement of mBDNF levels with high specificity. As the function of proBDNF differs from mBDNF (mature BDNF), it is necessary to establish an ELISA specific for the detection of mBDNF. Here, we present a novel sandwich ELISA which detects mBDNF with high specificity. This new ELISA will be useful for the measurement of mBDNF levels with high specificity in various human and animal tissues. proBDNF, precursor of BDNF; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; NT-3, neurotrophin-3; NT-4, neurotrophin-4; NGF, nerve growth factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Lim
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Flinders, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jin-Hua Zhong
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu R, Zhu D, Xia Y, Wang H, Tao W, Xue W, Xia B, Ren L, Zhou X, Li G, Chen G. A role of Yueju in fast-onset antidepressant action on major depressive disorder and serum BDNF expression: a randomly double-blind, fluoxetine-adjunct, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2015; 11:2013-21. [PMID: 26273204 PMCID: PMC4532216 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s86585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conventional antidepressants, including fluoxetine, have a major disadvantage in delayed onset of efficacy. Yueju, an herbal medicine used to treat mood disorders was recently found to exhibit rapid antidepressant effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of Yueju in rapidly acting on major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS Participants were MDD patients with scores of 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-24) ≥20 and without history of antidepressant use. They randomly received daily oral doses of Yueju (23 g/day) plus fluoxetine (20 mg/day) (experimental group) or placebo plus fluoxetine (control group) for 7 days. HDRS-24 was used as the primary outcome measurement at baseline, and on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Concentrations of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were assessed at baseline and on days 1 and 7. RESULTS In all, 18 participants met the criteria for data analysis. Compared to baseline level, only experimental group showed significant decrease of HDRS-24 score from day 3 to day 7 (P<0.05). Experimental group also showed significant improvement compared with control group from day 3 to day 7 (P<0.05). No correlation between treatment outcomes with serum BDNF levels was observed. However, experimental group showed significant correlation for serum BDNF level on day 1 with day 7 (r=0.721, P=0.028), whereas the control group did not. CONCLUSION Yueju likely contributes to fast-onset antidepressant effects on MDD. Further investigation is necessary to firmly establish the ancient formula as a safe, efficacious, and rapidly acting alternative medicine for MDD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruyan Wu
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Youchun Xia
- The Fourth People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haosen Wang
- The Fourth People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Tao
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenda Xue
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Baomei Xia
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ren
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guochun Li
- School of Basic Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- Center for Translational Systems Biology and Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Integrative Biomedicine of Brain Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ikegame T, Bundo M, Murata Y, Kasai K, Kato T, Iwamoto K. DNA methylation of the BDNF gene and its relevance to psychiatric disorders. J Hum Genet 2013; 58:434-8. [PMID: 23739121 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2013.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic factor, which is important for neuronal survival, development and synaptic plasticity. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications of BDNF are associated with the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders. Patients with psychiatric disorders generally show decreased neural BDNF levels, which are often associated with increased DNA methylation at the specific BDNF promoters. Importantly, observed DNA methylation changes are consistent across tissues including brain and peripheral blood, which suggests potential usefulness of these findings as a biomarker of psychiatric disorders. Here we review DNA methylation characteristics of BDNF promoters of cellular, animal and clinical samples and discuss future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tempei Ikegame
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|