Association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase B receptor in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Abnormal brain development in early life is a risk factor for neurobehavioral disorders.
• Mechanisms linking prenatal environment to neurodevelopmental outcomes are not fully understood.
• Previous research indicated reduced placental docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in preterm deliveries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between preterm birth, oxidative stress, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels, and circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB).
• To explore potential implications for neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• Plasma BDNF levels were measured in 96 mothers delivering preterm and 95 delivering at term, as well as in their cord blood.
• Placental TrkB levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations between BDNF, TrkB, DHA, placental weight, and gestational age.

Main Results:

• Maternal plasma BDNF and placental TrkB levels were significantly higher in preterm deliveries compared to term deliveries.
• Cord plasma BDNF levels were significantly lower in preterm infants.
• A negative association was found between placental TrkB and DHA levels, and between maternal BDNF and placental weight.
• Cord plasma BDNF levels showed a positive association with gestational age.

Conclusions:

• Reduced cord blood BDNF levels in preterm infants may contribute to altered neurodevelopment.
• Elevated maternal BDNF and placental TrkB in preterm pregnancies suggest compensatory or altered signaling pathways.
• Further longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term neurodevelopmental risks, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in preterm children related to these early biochemical changes.