The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Depression and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Several studies have been conducted to prove the bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression. These two major illnesses share several common risk factors such that the development of either condition may increase the risk of the occurrence of the other. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been suggested as a reliable biomarker for depression and a strong predictor of CVD because it plays an important role in neuron survival and growth, serves as a neurotransmitter modulator, and promotes neuronal plasticity. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the bidirectional relationship between CVD and depression, focusing on the potential role of low serum BDNF levels in the development of either disease in the presence of the other. Methods: A systematic search strategy was developed using PRISMA guidelines. Results: Six studies (comprising 1251 patients) were identified, all of which examined the association between CVD and depression. Conclusions: It was found that there may be a strong association between low serum BDNF levels and the risk of post-stroke depression. However, the studies on the role of altered serum BDNF levels and other types of CVD are few. Therefore, the inverse association between depression and CVD cannot be proven.

Job burnout, cognitive functioning, and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression among hospital Mexican nurses

“…Likewise, as previously described, numerous studies have demonstrated that chronic stress can lead to reduced BDNF [13,62,63] and it is well known that BDNF is a neurotrophin considered as a biomarker of cognitive function [77][78][79] due to being essential for controlling synaptic plasticity and promoting dopaminergic neuron survival [80], also it is considered an important regulator of synaptic transmission and LTP in the hippocampus and in other brain regions and are involved in hippocampal neurogenesis [81].…”

Brain–Heart Axis: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cardiovascular Disease—A Review of Systematic Reviews

“…In stroke patients, BDNF release has been reported as a positive prognostic factor for patients poststroke recovery so that increasing BDNF levels are associated with faster and stronger recovery, while low levels of BDNF are associated with high stroke risk and poor recovery [46]. Okada et al (2012) demonstrated that the deletion of BDNF or disruption of TrkB in the heart leads to worsening of cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction [23].…”