On the quest for a biomechanism of transsexualism: is there a role for BDNF?
Previous studies hypothesized a neurobiological mechanism for gender identity disorder (GID). Recently a possible role for serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was suggested on the basis of reduced serum BDNF levels in male-to-female individuals. Here we review the question whether there is indeed a role of BDNF in the development of transsexualism.
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J 5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany. Electronic address: johannes.fuss@zi-mannheim.de.
Johannes
J
Fuss
Sarah V
SV
Biedermann
Günter K
GK
Stalla
Matthias K
MK
Auer
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015992:Body Mass Index; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000097:blood*
D015415:Biomarkers; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Gender identity disorder; Male to female; Neurobiology; Neuroplasticity; Transgender; Transsexual