title: Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations in children and adolescents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a mediator of neuronal plasticity influencing learning, memory and cognitive behavior. The aim of this study is to assess plasma BDNF variations according to pubertal status.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 110 subjects were included in the study. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting. Plasma BDNF concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gonadotrophins, sex steroids, and IGF-1 were also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  BDNF was positively correlated with platelet count and negatively associated with both BMI and age. BDNF levels in pubertal males were significantly lower than prepubertal males and both prepubertal and pubertal females.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Plasma BDNF levels seem to be influenced by hormonal status. We demonstrate that parameters such as age or gender have a specific impact on stored and circulating BDNF blood levels and platelets remain the most important predictor of their concentration. Further studies are necessary to better understand the role of this neurotrophin in pubertal development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. iughetti.lorenzo@unimore.it
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Iughetti
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Casarosa
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Predieri
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Patianna
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Luisi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011627:Puberty / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor