Decreased Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentrations 72 Hours Following Marathon Running.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Physical exercise positively impacts brain plasticity.
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key mediator of exercise-induced neuroplasticity.
• The dynamic changes in BDNF during athletic training, competition, and recovery remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal changes in serum BDNF concentrations in marathon runners.
• To examine BDNF kinetics during the training, immediate post-competition, and recovery phases.
• To identify potential influencing factors such as fitness, sex, and platelet count on BDNF levels.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month longitudinal study involving 51 marathon runners (23% female, mean age 43).
• Serum BDNF levels were measured during the training period, immediately after the marathon, and at 24-72 hours and 3 months post-race.
• Linear mixed-model analyses were employed, controlling for fitness, sex, and platelet count.

Main Results:

• A significant main effect of time on BDNF concentrations was observed throughout the study period (p = 0.003).
• Serum BDNF levels significantly decreased 72 hours after the marathon compared to baseline (p = 0.025).
• This post-exercise BDNF reduction was more pronounced in male runners.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged strenuous exercise, such as marathon running, leads to a significant reduction in serum BDNF levels 72 hours post-exercise.
• This decrease is hypothesized to be associated with regenerative processes and increased muscular demand.
• The findings highlight the complex interplay between extreme exercise, recovery, and neurotrophic factor regulation.