Elevated Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels During Depressive Mixed States

Neurotrophin-like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and pro-inflammatory cytokines may modulate the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Although several studies show alterations in these biomarkers during the depressive, manic, and euthymic states of mood disorders, evidence is lacking for those in a mixed state. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the depressive mixed state (DMX) and peripheral neurobiological factors.

We enrolled 136 patients with major depressive episodes. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report Japanese version (QIDS-SR-J). The severity of DMX was assessed using the self-administered 12-item questionnaire (DMX-12). Categorical screening as DMX-positive (n=54) was determined by a cutoff score of 13 or more in the specific eight symptoms from the DMX-12; the remaining were DMX-negative (n=82). Serum BDNF, tumor necrosis factor-α, highsensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 levels were measured.

When comparing biomarkers between the DMX-positive and DMX-negative groups, higher serum BDNF concentration in the DMX-positive group than in the DMX-negative group was the only significant finding (p=0.009). A positive correlation existed between the total score of the eight specific symptoms of DMX-12 and the BDNF concentration (r=0.190, p=0.027). After adjustment for confounders, logistic regression analysis revealed that BDNF (odds ratio [OR]=1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.00-1.14, p=0.045), bipolar diagnosis (OR=3.43, 95% CI=1.36-8.66, p=0.009), and total QIDS-SR-J score (OR=1.29, 95% CI=1.15-1.43, p<0.001) were significantly associated with DMX positivity.

BDNF was positively associated with DMX severity, suggesting that higher BDNF concentrations may be involved in the pathophysiology of DMX.