Association of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Vitamin D with Depression and Obesity: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Depression and obesity are widespread and closely linked. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vitamin D are both assumed to be associated with depression and obesity. Little is known about the interplay between vitamin D and BDNF. We explored the putative associations and interactions between serum BDNF and vitamin D levels with depressive symptoms and abdominal obesity in a large population-based cohort. Methods: Data were obtained from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)-Trend (n = 3,926). The associations of serum BDNF and vitamin D levels with depressive symptoms (measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire) were assessed with binary and multinomial logistic regression models. The associations of serum BDNF and vitamin D levels with obesity (measured by the waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) were assessed with binary logistic and linear regression models with restricted cubic splines. Results: Logistic regression models revealed inverse associations of vitamin D with depression (OR = 0.966; 95% CI 0.951–0.981) and obesity (OR = 0.976; 95% CI 0.967–0.985). No linear association of serum BDNF with depression or obesity was found. However, linear regression models revealed a U-shaped association of BDNF with WHR (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D was inversely associated with depression and obesity. BDNF was associated with abdominal obesity, but not with depression. At the population level, our results support the relevant roles of vitamin D and BDNF in mental and physical health-related outcomes.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is related with adverse cardiac remodeling and high NTproBNP

“…Based on the current literature one can only speculate whether BDNF has a protective role in response to the underlying cardiac pathophysiology or if this neurotrophin contributes to disease progression. We also previously reported a U-shaped relationship between BDNF and waist-to-hip ratio as a marker of visceral adiposity 24 . Hence, the directionality and causality between BDNF and cardiovascular disease is still undetermined and may be related to signal cross-talk.…”

Effects of vitamin D and/or magnesium supplementation on mood, serum levels of BDNF, inflammatory biomarkers, and SIRT1 in obese women: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

“…Several studies have shown that vitamin D is essential for normal brain development and function, and vitamin D deficiency has been linked with neurological disorders, including depression [36][37][38]. Vitamin D is also involved in the initial biosynthetic stages of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which has been implicated in both depression and the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs [39].…”

“…Vitamin D is also involved in the initial biosynthetic stages of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which has been implicated in both depression and the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs [39]. Vitamin D deficiencies have also been linked to obesity [38]. For example, studies have found inverse relationships of vitamin D with total body fat and metabolic syndrome [40].…”

“…For example, studies have found inverse relationships of vitamin D with total body fat and metabolic syndrome [40]. A study also found decreased hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in a preclinical model of depression, and these were normalized by vitamin D administration [38].…”

“…However, its link with obesity is not well understood. In a rodent study, BDNF was found to regulate appetite via modulation of melanocortin signaling [38]. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with serum concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in obese individuals [43], and increased dietary intake of vitamin D has been linked with lower visceral adiposity and adipocyte size [43].…”