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The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Depression and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Massimo Fioranelli1, Maria Grazia Roccia1, Bianca Przybylek2

  • 1Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy.

Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Low serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) may link cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression, particularly post-stroke depression. However, more research is needed to confirm the bidirectional relationship between CVD and depression.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression share common risk factors, suggesting a bidirectional relationship.
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is implicated in both conditions, acting as a biomarker and predictor.
  • Low serum BDNF levels are hypothesized to play a role in the development of either CVD or depression when the other is present.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the bidirectional relationship between CVD and depression.
  • To investigate the potential role of low serum BDNF levels in the co-occurrence of CVD and depression.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Six studies involving 1251 patients were included in the review.
  • A potential association between low serum BDNF levels and increased risk of post-stroke depression was observed.
  • Limited studies exist on the role of altered serum BDNF in other types of CVD.

Conclusions:

  • Low serum BDNF may be associated with post-stroke depression.
  • The inverse association between depression and CVD remains unproven due to limited research.
  • Further investigation is required to elucidate the role of BDNF in the interplay between CVD and depression.
Abstract

Keywords:
BDNFbrain-derived neurotrophic factorcardiovascular diseasedepression

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