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Keegan AP, Stough C, Paris D, Luis CA, Abdullah L, Ait-Ghezala G, Chaykin J, Crawford F, Mullan M. Baseline serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor association with future cognition in community-dwelling older adults undergoing annual memory screening. Neurol Res 2024; 46:253-260. [PMID: 38095353 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2023.2294581] [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] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It has been shown that peripheral measures of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), an important neurotrophin instrumental to the biology of learning, may contribute to predicting cognitive decline. However, the two primary forms of BDNF, mature (mBDNF) and pro (proBDNF), and how they contribute to cognition longitudinally has not been well studied. METHODS Eighty-two older adults (average age 72.2 ± 6.4 years) provided blood samples at two time points separated on average by 4.2 years while participating in an annual memory screening that included the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale). Both mBDNF and proBDNF from serum were quantified at each time point. Whole blood samples were genotyped for APOE and BDNF Val66Met. RESULTS Using logistic regression analysis controlling for age, sex, baseline MoCA score, APOE, and BDNF, higher baseline mBDNF was associated with subjects whose screening score was near maximum or maximum (as defined by MoCA score of 29 or 30) at the second collection visit. APOE was a significant contributing factor; however, BDNF Val66Met was not. Using a similar logistic regression analysis, baseline proBDNF was not found to be associated with future cognition. DISCUSSION This study further supports that mBDNF measured in the serum of older adults may reflect a protective role while proBDNF requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Con Stough
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
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Tsai MJ, Lin YS, Chen CY, Lee WJ, Fuh JL. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels as a predictor for Alzheimer disease progression. J Chin Med Assoc 2023; 86:960-965. [PMID: 37713318 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and decreased peripheral levels of this protein are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. This study focuses on whether serum BDNF levels could be used as a predictor of AD progression. METHODS In this longitudinal observational study, we recruited cognition normal participants (N = 98) and AD (N = 442) from the Clinic at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital. We conducted a mini-mental status exam, a 12-item memory test, a categorical verbal fluency test, and a modified 15-item Boston naming test. A Serum BDNF level and apolipoprotein E ( APOE ) allele status were measured. The AD patients were followed prospectively. Based on the difference of MMSE scores, these patients were divided into fast decliners (decline ≥ 3/y) and slow decliners (MMSE decline < 3/y). Logistic regression was conducted to examine the impact of serum BDNF levels and other factor on the likelihood of AD patients being slow decliners. Pearson's correlation was used to estimate the relationship between serum BDNF levels and the score of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS In a logistic regression model containing serum BDNF levels, age, sex, APOE4 carrier status, education levels, and baseline MMSE score, higher serum BDNF levels were associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in the AD group. Serum BDNF levels positively correlated with the results of multiple neuropsychological tests. CONCLUSION BDNF is a protective factor against AD progression and likely plays a role in establishing a link between AD pathology and clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ju Tsai
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yung-Shuan Lin
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Dementia Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Ju Lee
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Dementia Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jong-Ling Fuh
- Division of General Neurology, Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Saida T, Baba H, Maeshima H, Natsume S, Yoshinari N, Shimizu K, Suzuki T. Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in remission, but not the acute phase, may predict the development from depression to dementia. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e6005. [PMID: 37737671 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Depression may be a risk factor or a prodromal symptom of dementia, and decreased serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been observed in both depression and dementia. The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum levels of BDNF in the remitted or acute phase of depression predicted the transition from depression to dementia. METHODS Serum levels of BDNF were measured in the acute phase of depression (n = 204) and after remission (n = 117), and we followed (mean: 24.3 months) the participants to assess the subsequent onset of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). RESULTS Serum levels of BDNF after remission, but not those in the acute depressive phase, predicted the future development of dementia or MCI. CONCLUSIONS Patients with low serum BDNF levels, even after depression remission, might have an increased risk of developing dementia. These findings suggest a potential association between residual low serum BDNF levels after remission and the prodromal state of dementia, or the involvement of BDNF in the transition from depression to dementia. However, given that this study is low-powered and preliminary, interpretation of the results should be approached with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Saida
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Baba
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Maeshima
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Natsume
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoto Yoshinari
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Shimizu
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Toshihito Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Koshigaya, Japan
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Domitrovic Spudic S, Nikolac Perkovic M, Uzun S, Nedic Erjavec G, Kozumplik O, Svob Strac D, Mimica N, Pivac N. Reduced plasma BDNF concentration and cognitive decline in veterans with PTSD. Psychiatry Res 2022; 316:114772. [PMID: 35961151 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stress related disorder frequently associated with cognitive decline. War veterans with PTSD have a higher risk of developing dementia than healthy subjects. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important protein that modulates plasticity, memory consolidation and cognitive processes. Lower circulating BDNF levels were related to memory impairment and cognitive deterioration. The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive deterioration and plasma BDNF concentration in 120 veterans with combat related PTSD, 120 healthy controls, 47 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 76 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to assess if plasma BDNF concentration might be used as biomarker of cognitive deterioration. Veterans with PTSD had significantly decreased plasma BDNF concentration and worse cognitive performances (assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination, Clock Drawing test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores/categories) than healthy subjects, and similarly reduced plasma BDNF and cognitive decline as MCI subjects. Reduced plasma BDNF was found in cognitively impaired subjects. These results suggest that veterans with PTSD should be closely monitored in order to early detect and predict cognitive worsening and promote interventions that might help restore blood BDNF levels and cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Uzun
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Kozumplik
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ninoslav Mimica
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nela Pivac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Cade S, Zhou XF, Bobrovskaya L. The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR in age-related brain atrophy and the transition to Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2022; 33:515-529. [PMID: 34982865 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is potentially mediated by synaptic dysfunction before the onset of cognitive impairments. The disease mostly affects elderly people and there is currently no therapeutic which halts its progression. One therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease is to regenerate lost synapses by targeting mechanisms involved in synaptic plasticity. This strategy has led to promising drug candidates in clinical trials, but further progress needs to be made. An unresolved problem of Alzheimer's disease is to identify the molecular mechanisms that render the aged brain susceptible to synaptic dysfunction. Understanding this susceptibility may identify drug targets which could halt, or even reverse, the disease's progression. Brain derived neurotrophic factor is a neurotrophin expressed in the brain previously implicated in Alzheimer's disease due to its involvement in synaptic plasticity. Low levels of the protein increase susceptibility to the disease and post-mortem studies consistently show reductions in its expression. A desirable therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease is to stimulate the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor and potentially regenerate lost synapses. However, synthesis and secretion of the protein are regulated by complex activity-dependent mechanisms within neurons, which makes this approach challenging. Moreover, the protein is synthesised as a precursor which exerts the opposite effect of its mature form through the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR. This review will evaluate current evidence on how age-related alterations in the synthesis, processing and signalling of brain derived neurotrophic factor may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Cade
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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