Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor is decreased in bipolar disorder during depressive and manic episodes.
Genetic and pharmacological studies have suggested that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be associated with the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). The present study investigated serum BDNF levels in manic, depressed, euthymic BD patients and in matched healthy controls, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sandwich-ELISA). Serum BDNF levels were decreased in manic (p=0.019) and depressed (p=0.027) BD patients, as compared with euthymic patients and controls. Serum BDNF levels were negatively correlated with the severity of manic (r=-0.37, p=0.005) and depressive (r=-0.30, p=0.033) symptoms. These findings further support the hypothesis that the BDNF signaling system may play a role in the pathophysiology of BD.
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Faixa de Camobi Km 9, 97105 900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Angelo B M
AB
Cunha
Benicio N
BN
Frey
Ana C
AC
Andreazza
Júlia D
JD
Goi
Adriane R
AR
Rosa
Carlos A
CA
Gonçalves
Aida
A
Santin
Flavio
F
Kapczinski
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor