Changes in Circulating BDNF in relation to Sex, Diet, and Exercise: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Study in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Metabolism
• Endocrinology and Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are sexually dimorphic, with women typically exhibiting higher concentrations than men.
• Factors such as diet, body weight, and physical activity are known to influence BDNF levels, suggesting potential sex-specific responses to weight loss interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the changes in serum BDNF concentrations between women and men undergoing a 12-week weight loss intervention.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 50 overweight/obese individuals (26 women, 24 men).
• Participants were assigned to exercise-only (EXO), diet-only (DIO), or diet and exercise (DEX) groups.
• Serum BDNF levels were measured at baseline and post-intervention using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

• Baseline BDNF levels were significantly higher (25%) in women compared to men (p=0.006).
• All intervention groups achieved significant body weight reduction (p < 0.006).
• Exercise alone (EXO) reduced BDNF by 22% in men (p=0.037) and showed a trend in women (p=0.080).
• Dietary interventions (DIO and DEX) led to significant BDNF reductions in women (29.9%, p=0.035 and 32.5%, p=0.003, respectively), but not in men.

Conclusions:

• Circulating BDNF levels are differentially affected by weight loss methods (diet and/or exercise) based on sex.
• Dietary changes, alone or combined with exercise, significantly impact BDNF in women, whereas exercise alone influences BDNF in men.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in the context of BDNF regulation during weight management.