Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Associations with Metabolism and Physical Activity in a Latino Sample

Abstract

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with body weight and other health conditions but remains understudied in the Latino population. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of BDNF serum levels with body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and the rs6265 nonconservative polymorphism among 349 Latinos aged ≥18 years enrolled in the Arizona Insulin Resistance Registry. Materials and Methods: Data on physical activity were acquired using a self-reported questionnaire. BDNF serum levels were measured utilizing a modified ELISA method, and the rs6265 polymorphism was genotyped by the Assay-by-Design service. Two sample t -tests or chi-squared tests were employed to compare demographics and outcomes between physically active and nonactive groups as well as between rs6265 CC and CT+TT groups. Results: BDNF levels and rs6265 polymorphism did not differ significantly between the physically active ( N = 195) and nonactive group ( N = 154). Participants with the rs6265 polymorphism did not show any significant difference in BDNF levels or BMI when compared with those with the normal functional variant. Higher BDNF levels were significantly associated with higher age ( r = 0.11, P = 0.04) and higher 2-hr glucose level ( r = 0.11, P = 0.04). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, the rs6265 polymorphism was not associated with a higher risk of obesity, or lower circulating levels of BDNF. Thus, the rs6265 polymorphism may have a different impact in Latinos as compared with other previously studied populations.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and type 2 diabetes and glycemic profile

“…Combining 12 effect sizes from 8 studies 7 , 20 , 23 – 25 , 29 , 31 , 35 included 1400 participants showed that the overall correlation between BDNF levels and FBG was not statistically significant (overall Fisher’s Z = 0.05; 95%CI − 0.21, 0.11), as shown in Fig. 3 .…”

“…Fourteen studies have reported the average serum/plasma BDNF values patients with glycemic disorders vs. healthy controls 7 , 20 – 25 , 27 – 30 , 32 , 33 , 35 . Eight articles have depicted the correlation between FBG and serum/plasma BDNF levels 7 , 20 , 23 – 25 , 29 , 31 , 35 ; 6 investigations have explored the correlation between HOMA-IR and BDNF concentrations 7 , 20 , 22 – 25 . Also, 4 and 2 studies have respectively reported the correlation between serum/plasma BDNF levels with HbA1c and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) 7 , 23 , 25 , 34 .…”

“…Furthermore, high plasma glucose levels or hyperglycaemia could negatively influence BDNF output from the brain 20 , 29 . Another possible explanation is that circulating levels of BDNF can be affected by lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and unhealthy diet, which are common risk factors of T2D 31 .…”

The role of neurotrophic growth factors in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma associated with obesity

“…Нейротрофическая активность BDNF и его роль в воспалении, метаболизме и патогенезе сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний объединены термином «триакт», который объясняет взаимодействия между мозгом, иммунной системой и жировой тканью и их роль в развитии кардиометаболических заболеваний [46]. Имеются данные о том, что уровень данного фактора тесно взаимосвязан с повышенной массой тела, ожирением, сахарным диабетом 2-го типа и развитием метаболического синдрома [47]. В экспериментальных условиях продемонстрировано, что повышение уровня BDNF улучшает метаболическую регуляцию посредством влияния на чувствительность гепатоцитов к инсулину и функцию β-клеток поджелудочной железы [48].…”

Influence of BDNF Genetic Polymorphisms in the Pathophysiology of Aging-related Diseases

“…Decreased activity-dependent secretion from the neurons of BDNF Met carriers is functionally significant because most BDNF protein is released from the CASPS2 activity-dependent pathway [ 77 ]. This polymorphism is the most studied and has been associated with various age-related diseases, such as PD, AD, T2D and also depression [ 33 , 34 , 58 , 60 , 98 ].…”