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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in pediatric bipolar disorder: effects of treatment and clinical
Ghanshyam N Pandey1, Hooriyah S Rizavi, Yogesh Dwivedi
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Gnpandey@psych.uic.edu
Insights
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are decreased in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) patients. Treatment normalized BDNF levels, suggesting BDNF may be a biomarker for PBD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a significant public health issue with poorly understood pathophysiology.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) dysfunction is implicated in mood disorders due to observed brain structural abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of BDNF in the pathophysiology of PBD.
- To determine if BDNF levels can serve as a biomarker for PBD.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression of BDNF was measured in lymphocytes of PBD subjects and healthy controls.
- BDNF protein levels were assessed in platelets of PBD patients and controls.
- PBD diagnoses were confirmed using DSM-IV criteria and the Washington University Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia.
Main Results:
- Lymphocyte BDNF mRNA levels were significantly lower in PBD subjects compared to controls.
- Following 8 weeks of treatment, BDNF mRNA levels in PBD subjects increased to levels similar to controls.
- Platelet BDNF protein levels were also reduced in PBD patients.
Conclusions:
- BDNF levels show potential as a biomarker for pediatric bipolar disorder.
- BDNF levels may predict treatment response and prognosis in PBD.
- These findings highlight BDNF's involvement in PBD and its potential clinical utility.
Objective:
Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a major public health concern; however, little is known about the cellular and genetic factors that are involved in the pathophysiology of this illness. The observed structural abnormality in the brains of patients with mood disorders has been related to abnormal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) function, suggesting an important role for BDNF in these disorders.
Method:
We determined the gene expression of BDNF in lymphocytes obtained from 26 PBD subjects during a drug-free baseline period and during the eighth week of treatment (n = 19) and from 21 medication-free normal control subjects. We also determined the protein levels of BDNF in platelets of patients with PBD and normal control subjects. Subjects were diagnosed according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria using the Washington University at St. Louis Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia.
Results:
The mRNA levels of BDNF in lymphocytes of PBD subjects were significantly decreased compared with those of normal control subjects and were significantly higher in 19 subjects after 8 weeks of treatment than the pretreatment drug-free baseline levels and similar to those of normal controls. Similarly, protein levels of BDNF were decreased in platelets of patients with PBD.
Conclusions:
These studies suggest that BDNF levels may be a potential biomarker for PBD. BDNF levels may also serve as a potential treatment predictor and prognostic indicator in PBD.
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