Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Its Correlation With Retinal Layer Thicknesses

Abstract

PURPOSE. To determine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in serum and aqueous humor (AH) and to assess the relationship between BDNF levels and retinal layer thicknesses in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS.A total of 48 AMD patients (AMD group) that was composed of twenty-three nonexudative and 25 exudative patients and 26 control subjects (control group) were included in the study. Serum and AH BDNF levels were assessed by ELISA method. Retinal layer thicknesses were calculated by segmentation analysis of optical coherence tomography. RESULTS.The mean BDNF levels in AH were found to be significantly lower in both the nonexudative and exudative AMD groups than in the control group (P ¼ 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). Optical coherence tomography segmentation analysis revealed that the total average retina pigment epithelium thickness was statistically significantly thinner in the nonexudative AMD group compared with the exudative AMD and control groups (P ¼ 0.001 and P ¼ 0.040, respectively). The total average outer nuclear layer (ONL) thicknesses of nonexudative and exudative AMD cases were reduced compared to control group; however, the decrement was statistically significant only in the nonexudative AMD group (P ¼ 0.009). In the correlation analysis of BDNF levels with retinal layer thicknesses, statistically significant correlations exist between BDNF levels of AH with ONL thicknesses in cases of AMD and with retina pigment epithelium thicknesses in the nonexudative AMD group.CONCLUSIONS. BDNF concentrations in AH decreased in the AMD group and this decrease correlates with outer retinal layer thicknesses. Low BDNF levels detected in the AMD group may be insufficient to protect the photoreceptors, resulting in thinning of ONL.

Target-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Deprivation Puts Retinal Ganglion Cells on Death Row: Cold Hard Evidence and Caveats

“…Note that this clearly pinpoints the need for in vivo studies regarding the NTF mechanism of action, since in vitro studies often rule out the contribution of other (retinal) cells. Additionally, decreased levels of BDNF are also observed in patients with age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that is not characterized by axonal transport deficits [109]. This again reinforces the statement that alterations in local NTF supply and/or function may be an additional contributing factor in the progression of glaucoma and should not be overlooked.…”

FTO alleviates Aβ1-40 induced retinal pigment epithelium degeneration via PKA/CREB signaling pathway

“…The formation rate of m-BDNF from pro-BDNF was mediated by the expression of pro-BDNF and tPA-and p11-mediated cleavage process [38]. While previous research mainly focused on the neuroprotective factor m-BDNF [39], the pro-apoptosis characteristic of pro-BDNF in AMD are yet fully illuminated. Pro-BDNF binds to p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and coreceptor sortilin with high a nity, thereby triggering apoptosis [40].…”

Serum and Aqueous Humor Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal Tension Glaucoma

“…Several studies have been conducted on serum and AH BDNF levels and ocular disorders like glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy. Inanc et al showed that the BDNF level of AH was lower in nonexudative and exudative AMD patients than the controls [6]. The serum and AH BDNF levels were lower in PDR group than in those with NPDR and diabetes without diabetic retinopathy [7].…”

“…Several studies have been conducted on BDNF levels in the AH and serum in patients with ocular diseases as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy. Inanc et al found that the BDNF level of AH was lower in non-exudative and exudative AMD groups than the controls [6]. Serum and AH concentrations of BDNF in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were lower than in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and in diabetics without diabetic retinopathy [7].…”