Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Sex Differences in Metabolic Regulation

For decades, most experimental studies were conducted using male rodents as models, and the results obtained in several distinct fields of medical and biological research were regarded as valid for both males and females. However, as evidence progressively challenged this concept by unveiling phenotypes that are regulated according to a pattern of sexual dimorphism, many studies were undertaken to identify the mechanisms driving sex-specific characteristics. In this context, hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor emerged as an important player regulating metabolism according to a sexual dimorphic pattern. Here, we performed a narrative review that puts together the main pieces of evidence showing how brain-derived neurotrophic factor is involved in metabolic sexual dimorphism. The accumulated data in this field has uncovered important aspects of the physiological and pathological control of metabolic sex-specific functions and has placed hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a potential target for interventions aimed at mitigating metabolic abnormalities that affect differently females and males.