title: BDNF plasma levels variations in major depressed patients receiving duloxetine.
abstract: It has been frequently reported that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Objective of the study was to investigate BDNF levels variations in MDD patients during antidepressant treatment with duloxetine. 30 MDD patients and 32 healthy controls were assessed using Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and monitored for BDNF plasma levels at baseline, week 6 and week 12 of duloxetine treatment (60 mg/day) and at baseline, respectively. According to early clinical response to duloxetine (defined at week 6 by reduction >50 % of baseline HAM-D score), MDD patients were distinguished in early responders (ER) and early non-responders (ENR), who reached clinical response at week 12. Laboratory analysis showed significant lower baseline BDNF levels among patients compared to controls. During duloxetine treatment, in ENR BDNF levels increased, reaching values not significantly different compared to controls, while in ER BDNF levels remained nearly unchanged. Lower baseline BDNF levels observed in patients possibly confirm an impairment of the NEI stress-adaptation system and neuroplasticity in depression, while BDNF increase and normalization observed only in ENR might suggest differential neurobiological backgrounds in ER vs. ENR within the depressive syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Ospedale San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi n.16, 16100, Genoa, Italy, Dott.Fornaro@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fornaro
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Escelsior
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rocchi
authors.forename: Benedetta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Conio
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Magioncalda
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Marozzi
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Presta
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sterlini
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Contini
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amore
authors.forename: Pantaleo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fornaro
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martino
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride