Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for neurocognitive function. This study aims at establishing a plausible link between level of serum BDNF, functional capacity (FC), and vascular function in 181 young (age 25.5±9.1 years old), apparently healthy adults. Fasting blood samples were drawn from participants' antecubital veins into plain glass tubes while they were in a sitting position to evaluate serum BDNF using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mercury-in-silastic strain-gauge plethysmography was used to determine arterial function indices, blood flow and vascular resistance at rest and following 5 minutes of arterial ischemia. The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test was used to determine FC, according to the American Thoracic Society Committee on Proficiency Standards for Clinical Pulmonary Function Laboratories guidelines. It was conducted in an enclosed corridor on a flat surface with a circular track 33 meters long. The walking course was demarcated with bright colored cones. The 6MWD correlated with BDNF (r=0.3, p=0.000), as well as with forearm blood inflow (r=0.5, p=0.000) and vascular resistance (r = -0.4, p=0.000). Subsequent comparison showed that BDNF and blood inflow were greater (p<0.05) while vascular resistance was less (p<0.05) in participants who achieved a longer 6MWD. Similarly, BDNF correlated with forearm blood inflow (r=0.4, p=0.000) and vascular resistance (r = -0.4, p=0.000). Subsequent comparison showed improved vascular function (p<0.05) in the participants with greater BDNF. In conclusion, these findings might suggest that improved vascular function in individuals with greater FC is mediated, at least partially, by an enhanced serum BDNF level.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for cognitive function. It is also found in non-neuronal tissues with various regulatory actions, including metabolic. Physical fitness (PF) is associated with improved synthesis and secretion of BDNF and reduced obesity. However, the importance of PF for the relationship of BDNF with obesity has not been investigated. This study aims at examining the relationship of PF with BDNF and obesity in 174 young (age ¼ 25.30 AE 9.2 years) healthy adults. Main methods: Serum BDNF was evaluated using ELISA while obesity was determined using body weight (BW), BMI, and waist circumference (WC). Six minute walk distance (6MWD) test was used to estimate PF. Key findings: Serum BDNF was greater (p ¼ 0.000) in the participants with high (Hi6MWD) versus low (Lw6MWD) PF group. Additionally, 6MWD explained 6.8% of serum BDNF. Obesity measures were greater (p < 0.05) in the participants with low versus high BDNF. In regression analyses, serum BDNF explained 4.7% of BW (p ¼ 0.004), 3.8% of BMI (p ¼ 0.011), and 6.2% of WC (p ¼ 0.001). However, when the participants were divided into Hi6MWD and Lw6MWD, BDNF explained 8.2% of BW (p ¼ 0.009), 6.0% of BMI (p ¼ 0.03), and 7.0% of WC (p ¼ 0.013), only in the Hi6MWD, but not in the Lw6MWD (p > 0.05) groups. Significance: The finding confirms the relationship of BDNF with obesity. Additionally, it further suggests the importance of PF level to this relationship among young adults. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Background Various aspects of lifestyle seem to change during confinement, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study examines confinement’s effects on tobacco smoking habits (SH). Methods A survey was distributed among adults living in Jordan (age >18 years) of both genders during April-May of 2020, of which 1925 responded to the survey. Results The prevalence of smoking was 33.3%, 46.1%, and 21.1% for cigarettes (Cg), waterpipe (Wp), and E-cigarettes (ECg), respectively. Among the smokers, 38.5–45.8% reported a “no-change,” while 32.1–41.7% reported a “decrease” in SH during confinement. On the other hand, 18.0–22.1% reported an “increase” in the SH. However, concerning the factors that might affect SH, the results showed that age, gender, income, and job sector contribute to the observed changes. Conclusions Changes in the SH during COVID-19 have been reported in about 50% of participants who smoke tobacco, with a more reported decrease than increase in use. Studies and interventions are needed to confirm further and understand the current results and discourage smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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