title: Decreased plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in patients with alcohol dependence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many reports have suggested possible relationships between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and alcohol dependence. A protective effect of BDNF against ethanol-induced cell damage has been suggested, and this effect may contribute to the development or maintenance of alcohol dependence. This study was carried out in order to verify the significance of BDNF in alcohol dependence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Peripheral BDNF levels were measured in alcohol-dependent patients and control subjects using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A physician's interview and standardized questionnaire were used to obtain information regarding each patient's history of alcohol consumption.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean BDNF level was lower in the alcohol dependence group (389.5 +/- 501.7 pg/ml) than in the normal controls (822.5 +/- 420.7 pg/ml) by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (F = 25.79, p < 0.01). The mean BDNF level was lower in the alcohol-dependent patients with a positive family history of alcohol dependence (247.6 +/- 289.2 pg/ml) than in those with a negative family history of alcohol dependence (583.9 +/- 652.8 pg/ml) by ANCOVA (F = 6.51, p = 0.01). The BDNF levels did not correlate significantly with any of the variables analyzed in this study, including Beck depression inventory, state and trait anxiety inventory (STAI-S and T), and various drinking behaviors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Changes in the levels of BDNF might play a role in the pathophysiology and inheritance of alcohol dependence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Welfare with Addiction Rehabilitation, Eulji University, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Keun-Ho
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Joe
authors.forename: Yong-Ku
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Tae-Suk
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sung-Won
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Roh
authors.forename: Sam-Wook
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Young-Bo
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hee-Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Dai-Jin
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000097:blood; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor