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Exercise elevates serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in partially remitted depression
Benedikt Alexander Kramer1, Anna Jaehn1, Thea Marianne Grützner1
1Research Group Neurocognition, Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Voßstraße 4, Heidelberg 69115, Germany.
Abstract:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). In MDD, serum BDNF levels are attenuated. Healthy adults show BDNF elevation after exercise. To investigate activity-dependent BDNF elevation in MDD, thirty-seven participants with partially remitted MDD were allocated to either a bout of strenuous or light activity. Serum was collected before and after the intervention. BDNF was measured using a highly sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significant BDNF elevation in the strenuous activity group emerged. This study confirms exercise-dependent serum BDNF elevation in MDD. Preregistration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS0001515).
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