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Caspases and brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and their Correlations with Psychiatric Symptoms in

Lia D R Broseghini1, Camila O Arent1, Lucas C Pedro1

  • 1Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, 88806-000, SC, Brazil.

Neurotoxicity Research
|October 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 increases caspase 3, 8, and BDNF levels, but these changes are not linked to symptom severity or psychiatric disorders. SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts cellular activity, yet other factors influence mental health conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant global health challenges, impacting both respiratory and psychiatric health.
  • Understanding the biological underpinnings of psychiatric manifestations in COVID-19 patients is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in caspase 3, caspase 8, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in individuals with COVID-19.
  • To assess the association of these biological markers with mental health outcomes and COVID-19 severity.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study design was employed.
  • Participants included individuals with and without COVID-19.
  • Measurements included caspase 3, caspase 8, BDNF levels, stress levels, and psychiatric diagnoses/symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with COVID-19 exhibited higher stress levels, caspase 3, caspase 8, and BDNF levels compared to controls.
  • No significant differences in these markers were observed based on COVID-19 symptom severity (moderate/severe vs. asymptomatic/mild).
  • No significant associations were found between caspase 3, caspase 8, BDNF levels and anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, or psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated caspase 3, caspase 8, and BDNF levels in COVID-19 patients are not directly associated with disease severity or psychiatric conditions.
  • SARS-CoV-2 infection may influence cellular activity and neurotrophic factors.
  • Other contributing factors are likely involved in the development of psychiatric disorders post-COVID-19.

Keywords:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factorCOVID-19Caspase-3Caspase-8Major depressive disorderPsychiatric disorders

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