Evaluation of BDNF as a Biomarker for Impulsivity in a Psychiatric Population

Abstract

Impulsivity is an important risk factor for suicide and therefore, identifying biomarkers associated with impulsivity could be important in evaluating psychiatric patients. Currently, assessment of impulsivity is based solely on clinical evaluation. In this study, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a nerve growth factor, was evaluated as a potential biomarker for impulsivity. We hypothesize that elevated BDNF may result in aberrantly high neurobiological activation, promoting impulsive behaviours. A total of 343 participants were recruited for the study and were divided into two groups, (i) elevated suicide risk (participants admitted to hospital with a recent suicide attempt), and (ii) average suicide risk (non-psychiatric participants and psychiatric participants without a history of suicide attempts). Impulsivity was measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and serum BDNF levels were obtained. A regression analysis was performed to identify associations between BDNF and impulsivity. We identified a subtle but significant positive association between BDNF and impulsivity in the average risk for suicide group (B = 0.189, p = 0.014). The same association was not reproduced in the elevated risk group B = −0.086, p = 0.361). These findings lay the foundation to further explore the utility of BDNF as a biomarker for impulsivity to allow for early intervention.

The Influence of 5-HTTLPR, BDNF Rs6265 and COMT Rs4680 Polymorphisms on Impulsivity in Bipolar Disorder: The Role of Gender

“…Still, these three polymorphisms have been shown to significantly impact various neuropsychological and psychopathological dimensions among various disorders. Second, it is possible that a modulating effect of the three SNPs studied may have been hidden by the relatively small sample size employed in our study; however, the numerosity of our sample was comparable to the majority of other studies with similar design [26,52,107]. Third, the two groups had significant differences in terms of sociodemographic variables; however, although the mixed regression models accounted for these differences, an effect on our findings cannot be completely ruled out.…”

Concentration Levels of BDNF, PI3K, AKT, and CREB Predict Depressed Mood and Impulsive Behavior in First-Episode Drug- Naive Schizophrenia Patients

“…In another longitudinal study, increasing serum BDNF levels by pharmacological treatment improved depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia (21). There is a correlation between BDNF and impulsive behavior in patients with psychiatric disorders, and some studies have suggested the possibility of using it as a biomarker (22). PI3K, an important kinase of inositol and phosphoinositide, regulates cell growth and migration.…”