Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and type 2 diabetes
K S Krabbe1, A R Nielsen, R Krogh-Madsen
1The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. karen.krabbe@dadlnet.dk
Diabetologia
|December 8, 2006
Summary
Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are linked to type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose metabolism. Elevated glucose, not insulin, inhibits BDNF output from the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Research
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is linked to Alzheimer's disease and depression.
- Type 2 diabetes is associated with these neurological conditions, with animal models suggesting BDNF's role in insulin resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in human glucose metabolism.
- To explore the relationship between BDNF levels and type 2 diabetes, obesity, and glucose regulation.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: 233 participants grouped by type 2 diabetes and obesity status.
- Study 2: Seven healthy volunteers underwent hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies.
- Plasma BDNF levels and BDNF G196A polymorphism were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Lower plasma BDNF levels were observed in individuals with type 2 diabetes, independent of obesity.
- Plasma BDNF showed an inverse association with fasting plasma glucose but not insulin.
- Elevated blood glucose inhibited cerebral BDNF output, while elevated insulin did not.
Conclusions:
- Reduced BDNF levels are associated with impaired glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes.
- Decreased BDNF may be a contributing factor to the co-occurrence of type 2 diabetes, dementia, and depression.
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