Serum Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in post-stroke depression.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Neurology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects approximately one-third of stroke survivors, negatively impacting recovery.
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in neuronal plasticity and mood regulation.
• The relationship between serum BDNF levels and PSD requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum BDNF levels upon hospital admission and the incidence of PSD.
• To identify serum BDNF as a potential predictive biomarker for PSD.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 216 ischemic stroke patients was recruited within 24 hours of stroke onset.
• Serum BDNF levels were quantified using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at admission.
• Post-stroke depression was diagnosed at 90 days post-stroke using DSM-IV criteria; logistic regression models were employed for analysis.

Main Results:

• A diagnosis of major depression was made in 27.3% of patients at 3 months.
• Patients diagnosed with PSD exhibited significantly lower serum BDNF levels at admission compared to non-depressed patients (8.1 vs. 13.7 ng/ml).
• Lower serum BDNF levels (≤10.2 ng/ml) at admission were an independent predictor of PSD (OR, 11.5; P<0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Serum BDNF levels measured at hospital admission are strongly associated with the development of PSD within three months.
• BDNF may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting PSD risk.
• These findings could pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions targeting BDNF in stroke recovery.