BDNF mediates the heart-brain axis: implications for cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders

Fan Huang1, Jiahao Duan1, Wei Liu1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China.

Insights

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is key in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and mental disorders (MD) comorbidity. Understanding BDNF

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and mental disorders (MD) frequently co-occur, impacting patient outcomes.
  • The heart-brain axis is crucial in the interplay between CVDs and MD.
  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is increasingly recognized for its role in both systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of BDNF in heart-brain comorbidity.
  • To explore BDNF's influence on inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine regulation.
  • To discuss clinical applications and drug development related to BDNF.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature on BDNF, CVDs, and MD.
  • Analysis of BDNF's signaling pathways, including TrkB receptor interactions.
  • Examination of BDNF's role in regulating inflammatory, oxidative, and neuroendocrine responses.

Main Results:

  • BDNF modulates inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
  • These regulatory functions are central to the pathogenesis of comorbid CVDs and MD.
  • BDNF shows potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.

Conclusions:

  • BDNF is a critical mediator in the heart-brain axis, influencing the comorbidity of CVDs and MD.
  • Targeting BDNF offers promising strategies for novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
  • Further research into BDNF's role can advance prevention and treatment approaches for these conditions.

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