title: Peripheral levels of BDNF and opiate-use disorder: literature review and update.
abstract: Several neurobiological factors are related to opiate-use disorder (OUD), and among them, neurotrophins have a relevant role. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a central neurotrophin involved in many neuronal processes, and it has been related to several psychiatric diseases and addictive disorders. BDNF can be measured in plasma and serum; its levels may reflect BDNF concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS) and, indirectly, CNS processes. Hence, peripheral BDNF could be a biomarker in clinical practice. This manuscript explores the findings about peripheral BDNF and OUD in humans. Opiates induce neurotoxicity in the CNS, which may be correlated with modifications in BDNF expression. Thus, basal levels of peripheral BDNF in OUD patients may be altered, which could be modified with abstinence. Also, opiates may modify epigenetic processes that may be associated with peripheral concentrations of BDNF, and in this line, withdrawal could reflect recovering processes in the CNS. Additionally, treatment modifies the peripheral concentrations of BDNF, but the clinical implications of those changes are yet not elucidated. No specific conclusion can be performed and more investigation in this area is necessary to elucidate the real potential of peripheral BDNF as a biomarker.
authors.affiliation: .
authors.forename: Raul Felipe
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Palma-Álvarez
authors.affiliation: .
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ros-Cucurull
authors.affiliation: .
authors.forename: Kristopher
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Amaro-Hosey
authors.affiliation: .
authors.forename: Laia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodriguez-Cintas
authors.affiliation: .
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grau-López
authors.affiliation: .
authors.forename: Margarida
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corominas-Roso
authors.affiliation: .
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Mora
authors.affiliation: .
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roncero
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
keywords: BDNF; biomarker; heroin; opiate; opiate-use disorder