The association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with the diagnosis and treatment response in depression

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Recent evidence from the studies evaluating the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration/levels, BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism, and major depressive disorders, referred as depression, and the association between BDNF levels and/or BDNF Val66Met with the treatment response in depression is presented.

Areas covered

This mini review focuses on the changes in the peripheral BDNF levels in blood (serum, plasma, platelets) in patients with depression before or after treatment with antidepressant drugs or different therapeutic strategies. In addition, this review describes the recent data on the possible association between different antidepressants/therapeutic strategies and the particular BDNF Val66Met genotypes, evaluating the risk alleles associated with the response in patients with depression.

Expert opinion

BDNF has an important role in the pathophysiology and treatment response in depression. Most data reveal that peripheral BDNF levels are lower before than after antidepressant treatment and might be used as potential biomarkers of therapeutic response. Novel therapeutic strategies should target restoring/increasing BDNF levels.

KEYWORDS:

• BDNF
• depression
• BDNF Val66Met
• treatment response
• antidepressants

Declaration of interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewers isclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This article was partially by the project: BM126 funded by the University of Zagreb and by the project IPS-2022-02-2497, funded by the Croatian Science Foundation.