title: Enhanced BDNF serum levels in patients with severe pathological gambling.
abstract: Although the pathophysiology of gambling is unknown, an involvement of midbrain dopaminergic pathway has been hypothesized. In this study, the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and pathological gambling was investigated. We measured BDNF serum levels in (1) video players (n=10); (2) card players (n=9); (3) mixed players (n=21; both video and card players) and (4) age-matched controls (n=18). Mixed players had increased BDNF serum levels as compared to controls and higher South Oaks Gambling Screen score as compared to card or video players. Thus, the data demonstrate that patients affected by severe pathological gambling show enhanced BDNF serum levels.
authors: IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, Rome, Italy Institute of Psychiatry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. f.angelucci@hsantalucia.it
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Angelucci
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Martinotti
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Gelfo
authors: Elisabetta
authors: E
authors: Righino
authors: Gianluigi
authors: G
authors: Conte
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Caltagirone
authors: Pietro
authors: P
authors: Bria
authors: Valerio
authors: V
authors: Ricci
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005715:Gambling / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D012201:Reward; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018910:Video Games / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D004298:Dopamine