Citation

Teixeira AL, Barbosa IG, Diniz BS, Kummer A. Biomark. Med. 2010; 4(6): 871-887.

Affiliation

Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica & Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG Avenue Antonio Carlos, 6627 - 31270-901 - Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Future Medicine)

DOI

10.2217/bmm.10.111

PMID

21133708

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most widely distributed neurotrophin in the CNS, where it plays several pivotal roles in synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. As a consequence, BDNF has become a key target in the physiopathology of several neurological and psychiatric diseases. Recent studies have consistently reported altered levels of BDNF in the circulation (i.e., serum or plasma) of patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease. Correlations between serum BDNF levels and affective, cognitive and motor symptoms have also been described. BDNF appears to be an unspecific biomarker of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by neurodegenerative changes.

Language: en