Continuous decrease in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in a neuropsychiatric syndrome of
Atsuko Ikenouchi-Sugita1, Reiji Yoshimura, Nobuhisa Ueda
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
|April 2, 2009
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus can cause irreversible brain changes. Longitudinal measurement of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in neuropsychiatric lupus patients may predict prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Neuropsychiatric syndromes of systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) can lead to irreversible organic brain changes.
- Understanding the biomarkers for predicting NPSLE progression is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- This study presents a case of NPSLE with irreversible organic brain changes.
- Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were longitudinally monitored in the patient.
Findings:
- Serum BDNF levels remained consistently low in the NPSLE patient with irreversible brain damage.
- BDNF levels were low regardless of the severity of psychiatric symptoms.
Implications:
- Longitudinal measurement of serum BDNF may serve as a predictive biomarker for NPSLE prognosis.
- This finding could aid in early intervention and improved patient outcomes in NPSLE.
