[Contents of BDNF, miR-30a-5p and miR-122 during alcohol withdrawal syndrome]

Some BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)-targeted microRNAs such as miR-30a-5p associate with alcohol dependence phenomenon however their relationship with AWS is not described. We aimed to measure serum BDNF concentration and relative content of miR-30a-5p over the course of alcohol abstinence and compare obtained results with clinics of AWS. Additionally, we studied relative serum content of miR-30a-5p, a microRNA which does not target BDNF but relates to alcohol use disorder. Serum BDNF concentration increased over the course of alcohol abstinence, contrary relative content of miR-122 but not miR-30a-5p decreased. Moreover, during AWS miR-122 but miR-30a-5p negatively correlated with serum BDNF concentrations. Relative content of miR-122 negatively correlated with depression and state anxiety levels on 8th day of abstinence. According to multiple regressions on 21st day of abstinence alcohol craving and cognitive disturbances may be predictors of serum BDNF concentration, and vice versa. Thus, serum BDNF concentration and relative content of miR-122 associate with some aspects of AWS clinics and may dynamically reflect AWS severity.