Impact and Mechanisms of Action of BDNF on Neurological Disorders, Cancer, and Cardiovascular Diseases

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is primarily expressed in the brain and nervous tissues, is the most abundant neurotrophic factor in the adult brain. BDNF serves not only as a major neurotrophic signaling agent in the human body but also as a crucial neuromodulator. Widely distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS), both BDNF and its receptors play a significant role in promoting neuronal survival and growth, thereby exerting neuroprotective effects. It is further considered as a guiding medium for the functionality and structural plasticity of the CNS. Increasingly, research has indicated the critical importance of BDNF in understanding human diseases. Activation of intracellular signaling pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, and phospholipase C gamma pathway by BDNF can all potentially enhance the growth, survival, proliferation, and migration of cancer cells, influencing cancer development. The loss of BDNF and its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B, in signaling pathways is also associated with increased susceptibility to brain and heart diseases. Additionally, reduced BDNF levels in both the central and peripheral systems have been closely linked to various neurogenic diseases, including neuropathic pain and psychiatric disorders. As such, this review summarizes and analyzes the impact of BDNF on neurogenic diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. This study thereby aimed to elucidate its effects on these diseases to provide new insights and approaches for their treatment.