Are serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations related to brain structure and psychopathology in late childhood and early adolescence?

Abstract

Objective. Mental disorders can have a major impact on brain development. Peripheral blood concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are lower in adult psychiatric disorders. Serum BDNF concentrations and BDNF genotype have been associated with cortical maturation in children and adolescents. In 2 large independent samples, this study tests associations between serum BDNF concentrations, brain structure, and psychopathology, and the effects of BDNF genotype on BDNF serum concentrations in late childhood and early adolescence. Methods. Children and adolescents (7-14 years old) from 2 cities (n = 267 in Porto Alegre; n = 273 in São Paulo) were evaluated as part of the Brazilian high-risk cohort (HRC) study. Serum BDNF concentrations were quantified by sandwich ELISA. Genotyping was conducted from blood or saliva samples using the SNParray Infinium HumanCore Array BeadChip. Subcortical volumes and cortical thickness were quantified using FreeSurfer. The Development and Well-Being Behavior Assessment was used to identify the presence of a psychiatric disorder. Results. Serum BDNF concentrations were not associated with subcortical volumes or with cortical thickness. Serum BDNF concentration did not differ between participants with and without mental disorders, or between Val homozygotes and Met carriers. Conclusions. No evidence was found to support serum BDNF concentrations as a useful marker of developmental differences in brain and behavior in early life. Negative findings were replicated in 2 of the largest independent samples investigated to date.

Neurotrophic factors and brain health in children with overweight and obesity: The role of cardiorespiratory fitness

“…Prior literature investigating the association between circulating neurotrophic factors and brain structure, and specifically hippocampal volume, in youths remains scant. De Araujo et al 16 reported a null association of peripheral serum BDNF concentrations with subcortical volumes (i.e., left and right amygdala and hippocampus) and cortical thickness in children and adolescents. Likewise, in another study carried out in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder, peripheral serum BDNF levels were not correlated with either left, right or total hippocampal volumes.…”

“…Prior literature investigating the association between circulating neurotrophic factors and brain structure, and specifically hippocampal volume, in youths remains scant. De Araujo et al (2019) reported a null association of peripheral serum BDNF concentrations with subcortical volumes (i.e. left and right amygdala and hippocampus) and cortical thickness in children and adolescents.…”

“…15 In contrast, serum BDNF was unrelated to subcortical brain volumes (i.e., amygdala and hippocampus) or cortical thickness in children and adolescents. 16 Unfortunately, none of the studies examined children with overweight/obesity, who have shown higher levels of neuroinflammation and poorer cognitive function. 2 In addition, there is no study regarding the association between neurotrophic factors and academic performance, either integrating a wide range of brain health indicators at micro and macro levels (i.e., cellular, brain, cognitive and academic indicators).…”

“…In contrast, serum BDNF was unrelated to subcortical brain volumes (i.e. amygdala and hippocampus) or cortical thickness in children and adolescents (De Araujo et al, 2019). Unfortunately, none of the studies examined children with overweight/obesity, who have shown higher levels of neuroinflammation and poorer cognitive function (Miller et al, 2015).…”