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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a biomarker for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analysis
Lin-Shuai Hao1, Yang Du2, Lei Chen2
1Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, China.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|June 6, 2022
Summary
This meta-analysis found significantly lower Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the peripheral blood of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest BDNF may be a potential biomarker for OCD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for central nervous system function.
- BDNF dysfunction is implicated in various psychopathologies like depression and dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze peripheral blood BDNF levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients versus healthy controls (HCs).
- To quantitatively assess the association between BDNF levels and OCD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases.
- Meta-analysis of nine studies including 474 adults with OCD and 436 HCs.
- Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Patients with OCD exhibited significantly decreased peripheral blood BDNF levels compared to HCs (Hedges' g = -0.722, P = 0.001).
- Decreased BDNF levels were observed in plasma and in drug-free OCD patients.
- No moderating effects were found for age, sex, sample size, Y-BOS score, or publication year.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral blood BDNF levels are significantly reduced in individuals with OCD.
- BDNF may represent a potential biomarker for OCD, although its precise role in pathophysiology requires further investigation.
