Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Beyond Diagnosis Toward Biological Phenotyping and

Michal Pruc1, Rafal Lopucki2, Katarzyna Czarnek1

  • 1Institute of Medical Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) shows potential for risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, current evidence does not support BDNF as a diagnostic biomarker for ruling in or out ACS.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarker Research
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are time-critical emergencies requiring early diagnosis and risk stratification.
  • Current diagnostic tools like high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) have limitations in assessing underlying pathophysiological processes.
  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is being investigated as a potential biomarker in ACS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological rationale and clinical evidence for BDNF as a biomarker in ACS.
  • To identify sources of heterogeneity affecting BDNF measurement and interpretation.
  • To evaluate BDNF's potential role in risk stratification beyond diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature on BDNF in ACS.
  • Analysis of pre-analytical, analytical, and phenotypic factors influencing BDNF levels.
  • Examination of studies assessing BDNF's correlation with ACS subtypes and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Circulating BDNF concentrations show significant variability due to matrix, sampling time, ACS subtype, and assay methods.
  • Current evidence does not support BDNF as a standalone diagnostic biomarker for ACS rule-in or rule-out.
  • BDNF may reflect platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and post-ACS remodeling.

Conclusions:

  • BDNF is not a substitute for hs-cTn in the acute diagnosis of ACS.
  • BDNF holds potential for biological phenotyping and risk stratification in ACS patients.
  • Standardized methods, separate proBDNF/mature BDNF assessment, serial sampling, and large multicenter validation are needed for future research.

Keywords:
brain-derived neurotrophic factorcardiac remodelingcardiovascular biomarkerendothelial dysfunctioninflammationphenotypingplatelet activationthromboinflammation

More Related Videos

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients09:09

Single Nuclei Isolation from Coronary Endarterectomy Tissue of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients

Published on: April 3, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...