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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and epilepsy: a systematic review
Lorenzo Iughetti1, Laura Lucaccioni1, Francesco Fugetto1
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo n. 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a complex role in epilepsy. While acute BDNF can trigger seizures, chronic administration and NPY system enhancement may offer therapeutic benefits for epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epileptology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in epilepsy pathophysiology.
- BDNF and its receptor TrkB are elevated in epilepsy models and patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on BDNF's role in epilepsy.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting BDNF signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of Medline, CENTRAL, and Science Direct up to August 2017.
- Inclusion of in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo studies, basic research, trials, cohort studies, and reviews.
Main Results:
- BDNF exhibits excitatory effects in neuronal cultures and brain slices.
- Acute BDNF administration induces seizures; inhibition blocks this effect.
- Chronic BDNF infusion decreases neuronal excitability, potentially via NPY and TrkB modulation.
- Serum BDNF levels correlate with epilepsy severity in patients.
Conclusions:
- Inhibiting BDNF-TrkB signaling may be a therapeutic strategy for epilepsy.
- Enhancing the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system could also be beneficial, particularly for temporal lobe epilepsy.
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