Changes in plasma Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels induced by methylphenidate in children with Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and peripheral protein levels in pediatric bipolar disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder

“…We conducted the same analysis performed for the whole sample in drug-free subjects, and significant differences were still detected (n = 22 in each group, F 41,1 = 3.35, P = 0.03). Although previous studies suggest an effect of stimulants in BDNF levels, there was not an association between stimulant use and BDNF levels in our sample (16). Finally, our sample sizes in both diagnostic groups might have been too small for detecting an effect of the Val/Met polymorphism, but our sample size of PBD was the largest assessed so far, and comparable to the only study in which an association was detected (12).…”

“…A significant positive correlation was observed between changes in hyperactivity symptoms and plasma BDNF levels. (16).…”

Inflammation, neurotrophism and oxidative stress and childhood psychopathology in a large community sample

“…Nevertheless, peripheral biomarkers in children and adolescents with mental disorders remain under investigated (16), limiting the knowledge of their involvement in the disease's early phases. In addition, the relationship between available peripheral biomarkers and general measures of psychopathology in children and adolescents is not well known.…”

Alterations of Growth Factors in Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…The homeostasis of dopamine system requires the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a widely expressed neurotrophin in brain cortex and hippocampus (42). BDNF is critical in the synthesis, release, and uptake of dopamine in nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons (43, 44) and plays a fundamental role in neuronal survival, plasticity, and proliferation (12).…”

“…Methylphenidate, the main drug prescribed for ADHD, increases the BDNF expression in the prefrontal cortex (51, 52). A 6-week administration of methylphenidate recuperates the plasma levels of BDNF in children with ADHD (42). …”