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Dell’Oste V, Palego L, Betti L, Fantasia S, Gravina D, Bordacchini A, Pedrinelli V, Giannaccini G, Carmassi C. Plasma and Platelet Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in Bipolar Disorder Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or in a Major Depressive Episode Compared to Healthy Controls. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3529. [PMID: 38542503 PMCID: PMC10970837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063529] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly disabling mental disorder arising after traumatism exposure, often revealing critical and complex courses when comorbidity with bipolar disorder (BD) occurs. To search for PTSD or depression biomarkers that would help clinicians define BD presentations, this study aimed at preliminarily evaluating circulating brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in BD subjects with PTSD or experiencing a major depressive episode versus controls. Two bloodstream BDNF components were specifically investigated, the storage (intraplatelet) and the released (plasma) ones, both as adaptogenic/repair signals during neuroendocrine stress response dynamics. Bipolar patients with PTSD (n = 20) or in a major depressive episode (n = 20) were rigorously recruited together with unrelated healthy controls (n = 24) and subsequently examined by psychiatric questionnaires and blood samplings. Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and intraplatelet (PLT) BDNF were measured by ELISA assays. The results showed markedly higher intraplatelet vs. plasma BDNF, confirming platelets' role in neurotrophin transport/storage. No between-group PPP-BDNF difference was reported, whereas PLT-BDNF was significantly reduced in depressed BD patients. PLT-BDNF negatively correlated with mood scores but not with PTSD items like PPP-BDNF, which instead displayed opposite correlation trends with depression and manic severity. Present findings highlight PLT-BDNF as more reliable at detecting depression than PTSD in BD, encouraging further study into BDNF variability contextually with immune-inflammatory parameters in wider cohorts of differentially symptomatic bipolar patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Dell’Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- UFCSMA Zona Valdinievole, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, 51016 Montecatini Terme, Italy
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Sara Fantasia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Davide Gravina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Andrea Bordacchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- UFSMA Zona Apuana, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
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Nikitina MA, Bragina EY, Nazarenko MS, Levchuk LA, Ivanova SA, Boiko AS, Gomboeva DE, Koroleva ES, Alifirova VM. [The relationship between the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene and the level of serum neurotrophic factor in patients with Parkinson's disease]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:114-120. [PMID: 38261293 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2024124011114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical features and the level of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in groups of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) differentiated by the genotypes of BDNF polymorphism (rs6265). MATERIAL AND METHODS The level of serum BDNF in the biomarkers' multiplex panel of neurodegenerative diseases (HNDG3MAG-36K) was assessed in 134 PD patients. Allele discrimination was carried out by real-time PCR using TaqMan probes for the analysis of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism in groups of patients and controls (n=192) matched for sex, age and ethnicity. RESULTS Comparing the distribution of rs6265 genotypes and alleles between groups of patients and controls no significant differences were found (p>0.05). Serum BDNF levels varied significantly by genotype (rs6265) among PD patients. Minimum mean serum BDNF level (320.1±164.6 pg/ml) was noted for individuals with the AA genotype, which significantly differs from the corresponding indicator among individuals with GA (2944.2±1590.6 pg/ml; p=0.0001) and GG genotypes (2949.4±1620.6 pg/ml; p=3.9×10-5). The concentration of BDNF significantly differed between patients with different forms of PD (p=0.0007) and increased as the stage of the disease progressed according to Hoehn and Yahr staging scale (p=1.0×10-6). CONCLUSION The BDNF rs6265 polymorphism was not associated with the development of PD in the studied population. The variability of the mean serum BDNF level was established depending on the genotype of the BDNF polymorphism in PD patients and a number of clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Nikitina
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - E Yu Bragina
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics - Tomsk NRMC, Tomsk, Russia
| | - M S Nazarenko
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics - Tomsk NRMC, Tomsk, Russia
| | - L A Levchuk
- Mental Health Research Institute - Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - S A Ivanova
- Mental Health Research Institute - Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - A S Boiko
- Mental Health Research Institute - Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - D E Gomboeva
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics - Tomsk NRMC, Tomsk, Russia
| | - E S Koroleva
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
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Di Benedetto MG, Scassellati C, Cattane N, Riva MA, Cattaneo A. Neurotrophic factors, childhood trauma and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of genetic, biochemical, cognitive and imaging studies to identify potential biomarkers. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:76-88. [PMID: 35378148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to traumatic experience represents one of the key environmental factors influencing the risk for several psychiatric disorders, in particular when suffered during childhood, a critical period for brain development, characterized by a high level of neuroplasticity. Abnormalities affecting neurotrophic factors might play a fundamental role in the link between childhood trauma (CT) and early life stress (ELS) and psychiatric disorders. METHODS A systematic review was conducted, considering genetic, biochemical and expression studies along with cognitive and brain structure imaging investigations, based on PubMed and Web of Science databases (available up until November 2021), to identify potential neuroplasticity related biomarkers associated both with CT/ELS and psychiatric disorders. The search was followed by data abstraction and study quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). RESULTS 103 studies met our eligibility criteria. Among them, 65 were available for genetic, 30 for biochemical and 3 for mRNA data; 45 findings were linked to specific symptomatology/pathologies, 16 with various cognitive functions, 19 with different brain areas, 6 on methylation and 36 performed on control subjects for the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF); whereas 4 expression/biochemical studies covered Neurotrophin 4 (NT-4), Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1). LIMITATIONS Heterogeneity of assessments (biological, psychological, of symptomatology, and CT/ELS), age range and ethnicity of samples for BDNF studies; limited studies for other neurotrophins. CONCLUSIONS Results support the key role of BDNF (in form of Met allele) as biomarker, both at genetic and biochemical level, in mediating the effect of CT/ELS in psychiatric disorders, passing through specific cognitive functions and specific brain region architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Di Benedetto
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
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Peripheral blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241928. [PMID: 33152026 PMCID: PMC7644072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in the survival, differentiation, growth, and plasticity of the central nervous system (CNS). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome that affects CNS function. Evidence indicates that changes in peripheral levels of BDNF may interfere with stress. However, the results are mixed. This study investigates whether blood levels of BDNF in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are different. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in the major electronic medical databases from inception through September 2019 and identified Observational studies that measured serum levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to controls without PTSD. RESULTS 20 studies were eligible to be included in the present meta-analysis. Subjects with PTSD (n = 909) showed lower BDNF levels compared to Non-PTSD controls (n = 1679) (SMD = 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.85). Subgroup meta-analyses confirmed higher levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to non-PTSD controls in plasma, not serum, and in studies that used sandwich ELISA, not ELISA, for BDNF measurement. Meta-regressions showed no significant effect of age, gender, NOS, and sample size. CONCLUSIONS PTSD patients had increased serum BDNF levels compared to healthy controls. Our finding of higher BDNF levels in patients with PTSD supports the notion that PTSD is a neuroplastic disorder.
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Dias de Castro Bins H, Dotta Panichi RM, Vernet Taborda JG, Arzeno Ferrão Y. Childhood trauma, psychiatric disorders, and criminality in women: Associations with serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2020; 71:101574. [PMID: 32768114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2020.101574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders and childhood trauma are highly prevalent in female inmates. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a number of roles in neuronal survival, structure, and function. Data in the literature suggest that it is a neurobiological substrate that moderates the impact of childhood adversities on the late expression of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether five childhood trauma subtypes-physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect-are associated with adult psychiatric disorders, BDNF levels, and criminality among incarcerated women. This was a cross-sectional study involving a consecutive sample of 110 women, divided into three groups of women (forensic - mentally ill who committed crimes, clinical psychiatric inpatients and healthy controls). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus were applied in the whole sample, and BDNF levels were measured in a sub-sample of 54 women. The rates of mental illness and childhood trauma were high in the forensic group. Emotional abuse was higher in the clinical and forensic groups than in the healthy control group. Lower BDNF levels were associated with emotional abuse in the forensic group as well as with sexual abuse in the healthy control group. After multinomial logistic regression, lower levels of BDNF, higher levels of emotional abuse and the presence of familial offense were considered factors related to clinical psychiatric group. The results of this study underscore the idea that BDNF may be an important factor related to the development of diseases and criminality in women who are victims of childhood trauma, becoming a possible biological marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Dias de Castro Bins
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Renata Maria Dotta Panichi
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - José Geraldo Vernet Taborda
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ygor Arzeno Ferrão
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Screening of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) single nucleotide polymorphisms and plasma BDNF levels among Malaysian major depressive disorder patients. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211241. [PMID: 30677092 PMCID: PMC6345459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin found in abundance in brain regions such as the hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum and basal forebrain. It has been associated with the risk of susceptibility to major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to determine the association of three BDNF variants (rs6265, rs1048218 and rs1048220) with Malaysian MDD patients. Methods The correlation of these variants to the plasma BDNF level among Malaysian MDD patients was assessed. A total of 300 cases and 300 matched controls recruited from four public hospitals within the Klang Valley of Selangor State, Malaysia and matched for age, sex and ethnicity were screened for BDNF rs6265, rs1048218 and rs1048220 using high resolution melting (HRM). Findings BDNF rs1048218 and BDNF rs1048220 were monomorphic and were excluded from further analysis. The distribution of the alleles and genotypes for BDNF rs6265 was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the controls (p = 0.13) but was in Hardy Weinberg disequilibrium for the cases (p = 0.011). Findings from this study indicated that having BDNF rs6265 in the Malaysian population increase the odds of developing MDD by 2.05 folds (95% CI = 1.48–3.65). Plasma from 206 cases and 206 controls were randomly selected to measure the BDNF level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A significant decrease in the plasma BDNF level of the cases as compared to controls (p<0.0001) was observed. However, there was no evidence of the effect of the rs6265 genotypes on the BDNF level indicating a possible role of other factors in modulating the BDNF level that warrants further investigation. Conclusion The study indicated that having the BDNF rs6265 allele (A) increase the risk of developing MDD in the Malaysian population suggesting a possible role of BDNF in the etiology of the disorder.
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Tural Ü, Aker AT, Önder E, Sodan HT, Ünver H, Akansel G. Neurotrophic factors and hippocampal activity in PTSD. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197889. [PMID: 29799860 PMCID: PMC5969740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although numerous studies have investigated the neurotrophic factors and hippocampal activity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) separately each other, it is unclear whether an association between neurotrophic factors and hippocampal activity is present. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional changes in hippocampus before and after treatment with escitalopram and to associate these changes with peptides related to neuronal growth in patients with chronic PTSD and trauma survivors without PTSD. Fifteen earthquake survivors with chronic PTSD and thirteen drug naïve trauma exposed individuals without PTSD underwent fMRI scans in a block design. Serum levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) were measured before and after 12 weeks treatment with escitalopram. Baseline median serum level of NGF was significantly lower in patients with chronic PTSD than trauma survivors; however, 12 weeks of treatment with escitalopram significantly increased it. Higher activation was found both in left and right hippocampus for chronic PTSD group than trauma survivors. Treatment with escitalopram was significantly associated with suppression of the hyperactivation in left hippocampus in patients with chronic PTSD. Bilateral hyperactivation in hippocampus and lowered NGF may associate with neurobiological disarrangements in chronic PTSD. Treatment with escitalopram was significantly associated with both improvement in the severity of PTSD symptoms and biological alterations. Patients diagnosed with PTSD may have further and complicated deteriorations in hippocampal networks and neurotransmitter systems than individuals who had not been diagnosed with PTSD following the same traumatic experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ümit Tural
- The Nathan S. Kline Psychiatric Research Institute, Orangeburg, New York, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| | - Ahmet Tamer Aker
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Emin Önder
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hatice Turan Sodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hatice Ünver
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gür Akansel
- Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Lee B, Sur B, Yeom M, Shim I, Lee H, Hahm DH. Effects of systemic administration of ibuprofen on stress response in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 20:357-66. [PMID: 27382352 PMCID: PMC4930904 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2016.20.4.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are modulated in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the effects of ibuprofen (IBU) on enhanced anxiety in a rat model of PTSD induced by a single prolonged stress (SPS) procedure. The effects of IBU on inflammation and BDNF modulation in the hippocampus and the mechanisms underlying for anxiolytic action of IBU were also investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given IBU (20 or 40 mg/kg, i.p., once daily) for 14 days. Daily IBU (40 mg/kg) administration signifi cantly increased the number and duration of open arm visits in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, reduced the anxiety index in the EPM test, and increased the time spent in the center of an open fi eld after SPS. IBU administration signifi cantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and BDNF, in the hippocampus, as assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry. These fi ndings suggest that IBU exerts a therapeutic effect on PTSD that might be at least partially mediated by alleviation of anxiety symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory activity and BDNF expression in the rat brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bombi Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Bongjun Sur
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Mijung Yeom
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Insop Shim
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.; The Graduate School of Basic Science of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Hyejung Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Hahm
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.; The Graduate School of Basic Science of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
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van den Heuvel L, Suliman S, Malan-Müller S, Hemmings S, Seedat S. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66met polymorphism and plasma levels in road traffic accident survivors. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2016; 29:616-29. [PMID: 26999419 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2016.1163545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and release may play a role in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DESIGN This study evaluated road traffic accident (RTA) survivors to determine whether PTSD and trauma-related factors were associated with plasma BDNF levels and BDNF Val66Met carrier status following RTA exposure. METHODS One hundred and twenty-three RTA survivors (mean age 33.2 years, SD = 10.6 years; 56.9% male) were assessed 10 (SD = 4.9) days after RTA exposure. Acute stress disorder (ASD), as assessed with the Acute Stress Disorder Scale, was present in 50 (42.0%) of the participants. Plasma BDNF levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and BDNF Val66Met genotyping was performed. PTSD, as assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, was present in 10 (10.8%) participants at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS Neither BDNF Val66Met genotype nor plasma BDNF was significantly associated with the presence or severity of ASD or PTSD. Plasma BDNF levels were, however, significantly correlated with the lifetime number of trauma exposures. CONCLUSIONS In RTA survivors, plasma BDNF levels increased with increasing number of prior trauma exposures. Plasma BDNF may, therefore, be a marker of trauma load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh van den Heuvel
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Sharain Suliman
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Stefanie Malan-Müller
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa.,b Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Sian Hemmings
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa.,b Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
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